Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly, and two new summer signings played vital roles in helping Arsenal advance their preparations for the upcoming WSL season.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Arsenal Women continued their pre-season training with a 2-1 behind-closed-doors victory against Manchester City Women, showcasing a mix of established stars and new signings as they gear up for the new season.
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The match, held at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, provided an important opportunity for Arsenal to test their lineup ahead of their final pre-season games.
Stina Blackstenius opened the scoring for Arsenal with a goal from a corner delivered by Chloe Kelly. However, Lauren Hemp equalized for Manchester City just before halftime.
The decisive goal came late in the match from two of Arsenal’s new signings.
Selina Cerci assisted Lisa Baum, who skillfully rounded the goalkeeper and scored to clinch the 2-1 victory.
This was Arsenal’s last private friendly before they face the public again at the Mangata Developments Stadium in Borehamwood.
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Next, they will take on Paris FC on Sunday at 1 PM, followed by a match against Charlton Athletic the subsequent Wednesday at 7 PM.
The result offers positive signs for the upcoming season, with Blackstenius maintaining her scoring prowess, Kelly proving again her set-piece creativity, and the collaboration of Cerci and Baum resulting in the winning goal.
However, as a training match, these results and individual displays should be regarded as part of Arsenal’s ongoing preparations, rather than as definitive indicators of how either team will start the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season.
Arsenal’s competitive season kicks off away at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, September 6, at 12 PM.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images