Fresh from making history as the first-ever winners of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, Arsenal Women return to domestic action with their biggest challenge yet. This Sunday, the “World Champions” host runaway league leaders Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in a clash that could decide the fate of the WSL title.
The Coronation in London
Last weekend, the Gunners secured their place in the history books with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Corinthians at the Emirates. Caitlin Foord’s dramatic winner ensured Arsenal became the inaugural global champions, a boost in morale that comes at the perfect time for Jonas Eidevall’s side.
The Mountain to Climb
Despite their world title, Arsenal face a daunting task in the league. Manchester City are currently in imperious form, sitting 13 points clear of the Gunners (who have a game in hand). Following City’s recent 5-1 demolition of Chelsea, where Brazilian star Kerolin netted a hat-trick, the Citizens look almost unstoppable.
A win for Arsenal on Sunday is non-negotiable if they want to keep their slim title hopes alive. Reducing the gap to 10 points (with a game still to play) would put immense pressure on City, who haven’t won the league since 2016.
Predicted Lineups: Stars in Focus
Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Olivia Smith; Mead, Russo, Foord.
- Key Player: Caitlin Foord – After her World Cup heroics, all eyes are on the Australian to unlock the City defence.
Manchester City (4-3-3): Yamashita; Casparij, Rose, Knaak, Ouahabi; Hasegawa, Blindkilde, Fujino; Miedema, Kerolin, Shaw.
- Key Player: Kerolin – The Brazilian is the league’s form player and will be looking to haunt the Gunners just as she did Chelsea.
Match Details
- Competition: Barclays Women’s Super League (Round 15)
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Kick-off: 12:00 GMT (9:00 AM BRT)
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Laurinda Jocias is a football writer covering English women’s football, including the Women’s Super League. Her work focuses on players, clubs, and the continued development of the women’s game in the UK.
