Match preview: Taking on Arsenal in the capital
Women
11 hours ago
Aston Villa are on their travels once again this weekend when they head to north London to take on Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
The Villans held off a late Everton fightback to claim a second successive league win last weekend, while a midweek Players Cup draw with Birmingham City saw the side close out October unbeaten.
That run of three wins and two draws from their last five games leaves Brian Sørensen's squad brimming with confidence as they head to the capital.
The Opposition
It's been a difficult start to the season for Arsenal, who have fallen short of many pre-season predictions that tipped them as favourites for the title.
The Gunners have taken just nine points from their opening seven league games, scoring just seven goals in the process.
However they do hold a strong head to head record in this fixture, winning eight of our 12 WSL meetings to date.
Renee Slegers' side will head into our encounter with renewed optimism after beating neighbours Tottenham 1-0 last time out in the WSL, and Benfica 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Tickets for this clash are available to buy on the day from the Ticket Office at Emirates Stadium, located near The Armoury.
Sales open from 10am, two hours before kick off.
What Do The Stats Say?
- Against Everton, Noëlle Maritz and Amalie Vangsgaard became only the second pair of Aston Villa players to assist each other’s goals in the same WSL match, since Kirsty Hanson and Rachel Daly did so for one another against Reading in May 2023.
- Aston Villa drew 1-1 in their most recent top-flight away game against Arsenal in September 2025, but have never gone unbeaten on back-to-back WSL trips to the Gunners.
- Arsenal remain unbeaten in each of their last 22 WSL home games (W16 D6) – the third longest streak in the competition’s history – though they have drawn each of their last three.
- Aston Villa have earned 3.9 more points than their Expected Points total in the WSL this season (9 points, 5.1 expected), with only Manchester United overperforming by more (+4.3).
The Last Meeting
It was a day to remember for the Villa faithful the last time we visited the red side of north London.
Lucy Parker was the unlikely hero at the Emirates last September, scrambling a loose ball home from a corner in stoppage time to secure a share of the spoils.
It was a superb show of resilience from Villa, who dug deep to stay in the match after falling behind in the tenth minute when Frida Maanum struck low beyond keeper Sabrina D'Angelo.
After a series of close chances, a late rally saw Villa's efforts rewarded. Parker prodded home the equaliser before promptly wheeling away to celebrate in front of the jubilant travelling fans.
The Presser: Thoughts from interim head coach Sørensen
Team News
Lucy Parker returns to the matchday squad for our trip to Arsenal, having recovered from a recent injury. The defender memorably netted in stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw in the corresponding fixture last season.
As per the player availability update published on Sunday 1 November, Jill Baijings, forwards Rachel Daly and Kamilla Melgård, and goalkeepers Ellie Roebuck and Lily Clark remain unavailable for selection.
