In this episode I start with a couple of updates on former Arsenal favourites, with Victoria Pelova joining Tottenham and Lia Wälti potentially heading back to the WSL with Brighton.

Then it’s time for our first proper Trailblazers mailbag. I answer a question from @classic_womens_football on what Arsenal actually need to improve to close the gap on Manchester City, and why for me the real issue isn’t the attack but those fine defensive margins in games that swing on one or two moments.

I also answer two brilliant questions from @badgercyclist. First, why the women’s game is such a powerful gateway into football for new fans, especially women, families and the LGBTQ+ community, and why I still think Arsenal Women at the Emirates is one of the best and safest football experiences you can have.

And then we get into London City Lionesses. How dangerous are they really, what does their squad build say about Michelle Kang’s strategy, and are they starting to feel like the women’s version of the old Real Madrid Galácticos project?

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You can also come and find me on Instagram at @arsenalwomentrailblazers and send in your questions for the next mailbag.

Arsenal Women: Trailblazers is a twice‑weekly fan podcast dedicated to Arsenal Women and AWFC. Join host Roberto Revilla every Monday and Friday for news, match previews and reports, tactical talking points and the stories that make Arsenal Women true trailblazers.

Intro/Outro Music thanks to raspberrymusic from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this shorter news episode of Arsenal Women Trailblazers I cover two stories you need to know about today.

First up, the WSL and WSL2 have agreed that from next season clubs will be allowed to sell alcohol in the stands, in sight of the pitch, after two seasons of trials across the top two tiers and around 190 fixtures. I explain what has actually changed, why it is optional rather than mandatory, and why this will split opinion between fans who want a more relaxed matchday experience and those who are worried about importing the worst bits of the men’s game atmosphere into the women’s game. I also share how it sits with my own experience of the women’s game being more respectful and family friendly, and ask you whether you would like to see alcohol allowed in the bowl at Arsenal Women home games.

Then I switch to Arsenal news. Canada Soccer and Arsenal have confirmed that Olivia Smith has withdrawn from the Canada squad for the SheBelieves Cup after suffering a concussion, and she will stay in North London to recover under Arsenal’s medical team. I give a quick round up of what has been reported and then use it as a chance to look back at her first season in red and white. I talk about the pressure of arriving with the “first £1m women’s player” tag, her dream WSL debut where she scored and led the game for shots, touches in the box and dribbles, and why her direct ball carrying, shot volume and productivity have already justified the hype. I explain how she offers something different to our other forwards and why I think she is going to be a huge player for Arsenal over the next few years once she is fully recovered.

I finish by asking for your thoughts on both topics. Are you for or against alcohol in the stands at Arsenal Women games, and how impressed have you been with Olivia Smith’s debut season?

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Arsenal Women: Trailblazers is a twice‑weekly fan podcast dedicated to Arsenal Women and AWFC. Join host Roberto Revilla every Monday and Friday for news, match previews and reports, tactical talking points and the stories that make Arsenal Women true trailblazers.

Intro/Outro Music thanks to raspberrymusic from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Arsenal Women Trailblazers. In this episode I start with a quick reality check on the transfer window and why we probably will not see Arsenal announce anything major until player contracts officially expire at the end of June. The club tends to stay respectful of existing deals, which makes fans impatient, but there is plenty happening around us in the meantime.

I begin with some wider European and WSL news. Former Gunner and Real Madrid star Caroline Weir has joined Lyon on a three year deal, adding even more firepower to a midfield we might see again in the Champions League. I talk about why Lyon wanted her, why she loved the project and why I hope she is on the bench if we draw them next season. I then move to the WSL where Spurs have signed Scotland forward Kirsty Hanson from Aston Villa after a twelve goal season in the league, with only Khadija Shaw and Alessia Russo scoring more. I explain why that is a big blow for Villa and why it matters to Arsenal that our neighbours are building a much more dangerous front line.

The main focus of the episode is Georgia Stanway. I spend time on why I am so excited about her potential move, what she would bring to Arsenal and how she could change the entire personality of our midfield. I look at her journey from a teenage breakout at Manchester City, to a Champions League level starter at Bayern Munich, to a key part of England’s Euro winning team. I break down her game as an all action eight who loves duels and pressing, can carry the ball, switch play and smash in long range shots, and I talk through different ways she could be used alongside Kyra Cooney Cross, Kim Little, Mariona and any other midfield arrivals. There is also chat about our ongoing issues with set piece defending and second balls and why someone with Stanway’s intensity and mentality could help close that gap.

I finish by asking you to pick your ideal midfield around Georgia if she does sign and to tell me in which games, if any, you would actually leave her out. Get in touch on Instagram at @arsenalwomentrailblazers, and if you want to join me at the Emirates for a home game next season in club level, drop me a message so I can add you to the list.

Arsenal Women: Trailblazers is a twice‑weekly fan podcast dedicated to Arsenal Women and AWFC. Join host Roberto Revilla every Monday and Friday for news, match previews and reports, tactical talking points and the stories that make Arsenal Women true trailblazers.

Intro/Outro Music thanks to raspberrymusic from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.