Skip to main content
The Morning Star Shop
Gunners make intentions clear in memorable WSL opener
Emma Hayes says lack of VAR in women’s game makes them feel like ‘second-class citizens’
Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game with team-mates during the FA Women's Super League match at the Emirates Stadium, London

by Bella Katz 

ARSENAL kicked off arguably the most important season of women’s football so far with a bang, during a memorable match that saw Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners beat the champions 3-2 at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon, in front of over 8,000 fans.

It was a battle of innocence versus experience for the managers, as the derby marked Eidevall’s first and Emma Hayes’ 250th match in charge. Arsenal finished third in the table last season, making the victory over reigning champions Chelsea a statement of their intentions to challenge for the title this season.

Vivianne Miedema opened up the scoresheet for the Gunners in the 14th minute, as she made a break into the box, cut past Jess Carter onto her right foot, and beat the goalkeeper at her near post.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady, and chairman David Sullivan and Jack Sullivan (back row) in the stands during the Premier League match at London Stadium, London, May 18, 2025
Men’s football / 3 September 2025
3 September 2025

West Ham supporters’ group launch campaign calling for end to disastrous Brady and Sullivan era

Arsenal's Stina Blackstenius (second right) celebrates scori
International Women's Day 2024 / 8 March 2024
8 March 2024
Arsenal's Alessia Russo celebrates scoring the only goal of
Women’s football / 3 March 2024
3 March 2024
Paris FC pose for a team photo prior to the Women's Champion
Women’s Football / 20 December 2023
20 December 2023
Similar stories
USA manager Emma Hayes during an international friendly matc
Women’s football / 1 December 2024
1 December 2024
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall on the touchline during the W
Women's Football / 15 October 2024
15 October 2024
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall on the touchline during the W
Women’s Football / 11 October 2024
11 October 2024