Current leaders in the Women’s Super League, Arsenal, have proved their talents at the 60,260 seated stadium two times already this season, with more appearances scheduled for the next few months.
The Emirates hosted the Gunners back in April 2012, where they defeated Chelsea 3-1 in front of just over 4,000 spectators.
Kim Little’s side didn’t attend The Emirates again until the 2019-20 season, as there was a big push in the WSL to have more games at the bigger stadiums.
The opening weekend saw Chelsea host Spurs in front of 24,564 at Stamford Bridge, and 31,213 fans watch Manchester City play Manchester United at the Etihad.
November 2019 saw the North London Derby, played at Tottenham’s new stadium, which attracted the then WSL attendance record of 38,262 spectators.
This momentum and attraction towards the North London Derby has continued into this season, as the 24th September 2022 saw Jordan Nobbs and Rafaelle Souza find the net twice, which Vivianne Miedema doubled to make it 4-0 at the final whistle.
Not only was this hosted in front of a record breaking crowd attendance of 47,367, it also became Arsenal’s 8th game with conceding- which secured them top spot of the league.
A month later, FC Zurich Frauen travelled to The Emirates in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, in which Arsenal came away with a 3-1 victory.
Jordan Nobbs’ incredible volley and Lina Hurtig’s double, maintained their top spot in group C.
Arsenal hope to continue their winning streak and record breaking attendances in their three scheduled matches at The Emirates:
Saturday 19th November 2022- against Manchester United in the WSL
Wednesday 7th December 2022- against Juventus Women in the UEFA Women’s Champions League
Thursday 15th December 2022- against Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Women’s Champions League
These matches are more than just games of football, but rather a sign of opportunity and hope for young players wanting to get involved in the women’s game.
Witnessing sell-out stadiums, including Wembley Stadium for the Euros 2022 final, provides more awareness and recognition that this is an option for young girls.
This is only the start.
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