The 2023/24 season has been quite a rollercoaster for Arsenal.
The Gunners secured third place in the Women’s Super League (WSL), ensuring Champions League qualification ahead of notable teams like Manchester United and Liverpool. They also claimed silverware by defeating Chelsea in the Continental League Cup final.
Despite some impressive performances, such as completing a league double over Manchester City and defeating Chelsea 4-1 at the Emirates, it’s difficult to avoid the sense that Jonas Eidevall’s team fell short of their full potential this season.
With the WSL transfer window opening on June 24 and the next season approaching, here is football.london’s comprehensive review of Arsenal’s 2023/24 season:
**Season Score: 6/10**
Although Arsenal finished within the European spots and won a trophy, rating their campaign a six out of ten may seem harsh. They possess one of the strongest squads in the WSL, so being out of the title race two months before the season’s end and their disappointing performances in the FA Cup and the Champions League make the season feel somewhat underwhelming.
**Player of the Season: Lotte Wubben-Moy**
Arsenal faced challenges this season, especially in defense. Vice-captain Leah Williamson only returned in late January after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, slowly regaining full fitness. With Brazilian defender Rafaelle Souza leaving last summer and new signing Laia Codina taking time to settle, Wubben-Moy shouldered much of the defensive responsibility. The 25-year-old had her most impressive season to date, helping ensure the team finished within the Champions League spots.
**Highlight: Conti Cup Final Win**
The Gunners aimed to repeat their 2023 Conti Cup victory against Chelsea in this year’s final at Molineux Stadium. The match wasn’t a classic, and a major blow came when midfielder Frida Maanum collapsed in the first half. However, Eidevall’s team persevered, clinching victory with Stina Blackstenius’s instinctive finish in extra time. This triumph marked a record-extending seventh win in the competition for Arsenal, and the celebrations in Wolverhampton underscored its significance to the players
**Disappointment: West Ham United 2-1 Arsenal**
When Alessia Russo scored to put Arsenal ahead against West Ham in February, it seemed like a routine WSL win was on the cards. However, a poor second-half performance allowed the hosts to come from behind and claim three points at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, dealing a significant blow to Arsenal’s title aspirations. Although Eidevall’s team performed well against top-five teams in 2023/24, they struggled against lower-ranked sides, with the defeat to 11th-place West Ham being a prime example.
**What Comes Next**
The upcoming season is crucial for Arsenal, and Eidevall needs to orchestrate a strong title challenge and oversee successful cup runs to prove his capability to lead the club to long-term success. Arsenal looks set to strengthen their squad with the anticipated addition of Barcelona forward Mariona Caldentey, who has reportedly agreed to join this summer.
The 2023/24 season, marked by significant ups and downs, leaves Arsenal with much to reflect on and build upon. While they showcased their potential at times, their inconsistency against lower-ranked teams and early exit from title contention suggest areas for improvement. The upcoming transfer window offers an opportunity for strategic reinforcements, and the integration of new talent will be crucial.
Eidevall faces a pivotal period ahead. He must leverage the strengths demonstrated during the season while addressing the weaknesses that thwarted their title hopes. With Champions League qualification secured and new signings on the horizon, the Gunners have a solid foundation to aim for greater success. The next season holds the promise of redemption and the challenge of turning potential into consistent performance, which will be essential for Arsenal’s ambition to reclaim the top spot in the WSL and achieve further success in European and domestic competitions.
