2/1/26
Ben Tattoo interviews Ben Gilby, Impetus founder and co-chief editor, who has been at the vast majority of the Gunners’ games this season, ahead of the January transfer window, to discuss Arsenal’s season so far and how the rest of the campaign could shape up.
Above: Olivia Smith lets fly with her rocket shot against London City Lionesses on the opening day of the WSL season.
What did you think of the summer transfer business?
It was pretty good – it enabled Arsenal to have, arguably the best potential strength in depth that they have ever had. Olivia Smith has been superb – more than justifying her transfer fee. She works so hard, is exceptionally humble, and just has the X-Factor that you want. Defenders absolutely hate being run at by the pace she has. You can see the panic as they try to work out whether to drop off or try and commit to a challenge.
Anneke Borbe also needs some recognition for some superb saves after coming in for Daphne van Domselaar in recent weeks. She was particularly impressive at Crystal Palace in the Subway Cup Quarter-Final. Given ‘The Eagles’ hit the post and bar, her stunning stops in that game proved vital.
How are you feeling about the season so far?
It’s incredibly frustrating, as the team are not living up to their potential. When they play at maximum pace and precision, Arsenal are a joy to watch, but all too often, it’s been pedestrian and slow. In mid autumn, the feeling was it was time to change up the starting line-up. Eventually Renee Slegers did that, but still there is a lack of urgency at times, which, when you have outlets like Smith, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Caitlin Foord in the team is so frustrating. They aren’t given the ball quick enough to maximise their creativity.
Where do you think the team need to strengthen?
I honestly am not expecting much, possibly one or two as I suspect there will be major surgery in the summer. I think a lot of the old guard are in their final months with the club. It may be sacrilege for Arsenal fans to admit it, but I think Beth Mead’s best days are behind her, and both Kim Little and Katie McCabe could possibly be in their last season as well – it wouldn’t surprise me if two of those three at least bow out in the summer. There are a lot of big names out of contract at the end of the season too.
Can you see anyone leaving in January?
There have been quiet rumours about Vicky Pelova, but unless Arsenal are able to bring in one of big names that have been whispered, then I doubt any of the regular squad members will depart.
What business do you think Arsenal will do?
There are whispers about potentially bringing in Crystal Palace’s Abbie Larkin, who looked really good in the Subway Cup game between the two sides. She’s a young player of real potential.
Trinity Rodman has also been linked – but with London City Lionesses’ Michele Kang also owning her current club Washington Spirit, you wonder if that would block any WSL move outside of the Bromley-based newcomers.
Georgia Stanway is also a potential arrival, and that would certainly be another big step forward for strength in depth.
How do you think Arsenal will do for the rest of the season?
It all comes down to the first four rounds of 2026’s WSL fixtures which sees Arsenal play Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City. They effectively have to win all of those games to have any chance of making a title bid. If they don’t take at least five points from those games, then you have to wonder whether they would even make the Champions League places.
Slegers’ squad are more than capable of winning these games, but they have to be at their powerful best and leave the lingering lethargy behind as we move into a big New Year which could include a two-legged Champions League Quarter-Final with Chelsea…
If you could take any player from another team who would it be?
I’d love either Mary Fowler or Bunny Shaw. Fowler is such an elegant, thoughtful footballer, who is still to reach the peak of her powers at the age of 22, despite seemingly having been around forever. I first saw her play for the Matildas against the Lionesses in 2018 when she was just 15. Having Bunny Shaw as part of a front line with Alessia Russo and the pace of Smith would be real fun.
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