Pre-Match Report

Bristol City v Arsenal - The Brief

Arsenal Women celebrate

Joe Montemurro’s side will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Women’s Super League table on Sunday when they face Bristol City at the Stoke Gifford Stadium. 

THE STORY SO FAR

We head into this fixture with our perfect start to the season still firmly intact, following a comprehensive 6-0 win over Reading at Meadow Park.

Jordan Nobbs, Beth Mead and Danielle van de Donk all found the back of the net, while Vivianne Miedema scored her third hat-trick of the season so far.

Our defence kept the Royals’ frontline at bay throughout, meaning we’ve now picked up four clean sheets in our last five WSL fixtures. No other side have conceded fewer goals than us over the course of the season - and things have been just as successful at the other end of the pitch.

We’ve scored 27 goals in just five league outings - averaging 5.6 per game - and currently boast five of the WSL’s top goalscorers.

Danielle van de Donk

THE OPPOSITION

Bristol City ran out 2-1 winners over Yeovil Town in their last WSL outing, but prior to that, they’d failed to pick up a win in each of their last four appearances across all competitions. 

They’re currently fifth in the table on eight points, having only slipped to defeat once over the course of the season so far - and they also possess one of the league’s tightest defence. On average, they’ve conceded just 0.8 goals per game.

Fans should also keep an eye out for former Gunner Carla Humphrey on Sunday, who’s become a mainstay for the Vixens since joining in June 2017.

Carla Humphrey

 

MANAGER’S NOTES

“We want to take the pressure off for the next half of the season with regards to the amount of games we’re playing, so we have to make sure we’re ready for every game,” Montemurro told Arsenal.com. 

“This weekend we have Bristol - and they’re another team that are gaining points and are in a good position, so we have to make sure that we’re ready for it.”

Joe Montemurro

ONE TO WATCH

Beth Mead caused big problems for the Reading defence last time out - and she capped her performance off with a beautiful curling effort.

She’s scored two goals and assisted three times in the WSL this season, but it’s her movement and ability to stretch defences that makes her so effective in the final third. With Mead drifting wide and pulling the centre-backs out of position, Miedema has been able to score nine times from just 21 shots at goal.

Mead has also proven herself to be one of the most efficient strikers in the WSL, having hit the target with 83 per cent of her shots this season.

Beth Mead

FOLLOW THE ACTION

You can follow our Twitter account for updates @ArsenalWFC - or you can watch the game LIVE by visiting the FA WSL’s Facebook page

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