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.