Arsenal’s Champions League relief masks deeper WSL struggles as Fifa’s power play unfolds

Arsenal’s narrow escape exposes WSL’s widening cracks

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over HB Køge in their Champions League opener on Tuesday night was less a statement of intent than a sigh of relief. Mariona Caldentey’s 93rd-minute penalty spared the Gunners from an embarrassing defeat, but the performance laid bare the fractures in a squad once synonymous with dominance. The North Bank’s jubilant reaction to the winner—more desperation than celebration—spoke volumes. Manager Renée Slegers’ post-match demeanour, a mix of exhaustion and frustration, suggested this was not the start she envisioned.

The match itself was a microcosm of Arsenal’s recent struggles. Despite controlling possession, the team managed just one shot on target in 90 minutes, a statistic that would be damning in any league, let alone Europe’s elite. The absence of a clinical edge, a hallmark of Arsenal’s WSL heyday, raises questions about the squad’s depth and Slegers’ tactical approach. With Manchester City and Chelsea strengthening their squads over the summer, Arsenal’s failure to convert pressure into goals could prove costly as the Champions League group stage progresses.

The broader context is equally concerning. The Women’s Super League has seen a rapid escalation in investment, with clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea leveraging their financial muscle to attract top talent. Arsenal, historically a pioneer in women’s football, now risks being left behind. The club’s decision to part ways with Jonas Eidevall in 2024, despite his success in rebuilding the team, has yet to yield dividends under Slegers. Tuesday’s performance will do little to silence critics who argue that Arsenal’s women’s team is no longer the standard-bearer it once was.

Fifa’s power play: Infantino’s grip on football’s throne tightens

While Arsenal’s struggles play out on the pitch, Gianni Infantino’s campaign to retain the Fifa presidency is unfolding in the corridors of power. The Fifa chief, whose plan to sell off World Cup rights collapsed last month, has spent the international break crisscrossing the globe in a Qatar Airways-sponsored private jet, lobbying for support ahead of next year’s election. His appearance at the United Nations General Assembly this week is the latest in a series of high-profile engagements designed to shore up his position.

Infantino’s re-election bid is notable for its lack of opposition. No other candidate has emerged to challenge him, a testament to his ability to consolidate power within football’s governing body. His strategy appears twofold: first, to present himself as a unifying figure capable of steering Fifa through its ongoing governance crisis; second, to leverage his relationships with national federations to ensure their support. The collapse of the World Cup sell-off plan, which would have seen private equity firms take a stake in the tournament, has not dented his confidence. Instead, Infantino has framed the decision as a victory for football’s integrity, arguing that the sport’s crown jewel should remain under Fifa’s control.

Yet the controversy surrounding his leadership persists. Critics accuse him of prioritising political alliances over reform, pointing to his close ties with authoritarian regimes and his reluctance to address human rights concerns in host nations. The absence of a challenger does not equate to universal support; rather, it reflects the difficulty of mounting a credible opposition within Fifa’s opaque electoral system. For now, Infantino’s grip on power appears unassailable, but the longer-term implications for football’s governance remain uncertain.

Manchester City’s resilience offers a blueprint for WSL contenders

If Arsenal’s performance highlighted the perils of stagnation, Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich on Tuesday night demonstrated the value of resilience. Trailing 2-0 at half-time, City fought back through Beth Mead and Carlotta Wamser to secure a point in a match that could prove pivotal in their Champions League campaign. Manager Andrée Jeglertz praised his team’s mentality, describing the comeback as a testament to their belief and quality.

City’s ability to respond to adversity is not new. The club has built a reputation for developing players who thrive under pressure, a trait that has served them well in both domestic and European competitions. Their draw with Bayern, a side that has dominated German football in recent years, sends a clear message to the rest of the WSL: City are not just contenders, but a team capable of competing with the best in Europe.

The result also underscores the growing parity in women’s football. Bayern, like Lyon and Barcelona, have traditionally been the benchmark in Europe, but City’s performance suggests that the gap is narrowing. For clubs like Arsenal, the lesson is clear: investment in youth development and tactical flexibility can yield dividends, even against more established opponents. As the WSL continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and respond to challenges will be just as important as financial firepower.

Mikel Arteta’s contract extension: a vote of confidence in Arsenal’s project

Amid the turbulence of Arsenal’s women’s team and the broader governance debates in football, Mikel Arteta’s contract extension provides a rare moment of stability. The Spaniard has agreed to a new long-term deal that could keep him at the club until 2030, a significant commitment from both parties. The extension, which includes a substantial pay rise, reflects Arteta’s pivotal role in Arsenal’s resurgence over the past two seasons.

Arteta’s tenure has been defined by a clear vision: to rebuild Arsenal as a dominant force in English and European football. His success in ending the club’s 19-year wait for a league title last season has silenced many of his critics, but the challenge now is to sustain that momentum. The new contract suggests that the club’s hierarchy believes in his ability to deliver long-term success, despite the pressures of competing with Manchester City and Chelsea for domestic and European honours.

The timing of the extension is also noteworthy. With the transfer window closed and the season in full swing, Arteta’s focus can shift entirely to on-pitch matters. His ability to navigate the demands of a top-six club—balancing short-term results with long-term development—will be tested in the coming months. For now, the extension is a vote of confidence in his project, but the real work begins now.

What to watch this week

As the football calendar enters a critical phase, several storylines will dominate the headlines. In the Women’s Super League, Arsenal’s Champions League campaign continues with a trip to Lyon, a fixture that will test their mettle against Europe’s most decorated side. Manchester City, meanwhile, face a tough away match against Real Madrid, a chance to prove their credentials as genuine title contenders.

On the governance front, all eyes will be on Gianni Infantino’s next moves. His appearance at the UN General Assembly is likely to be followed by further lobbying efforts as he seeks to secure his re-election. In Spain, the fallout from Real Madrid’s call for La Liga president Javier Tebas’ removal will continue to unfold, with implications for the league’s future.

In the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face a crucial test against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby. A win would not only boost their title ambitions but also provide further validation for Arteta’s project. With the season entering its decisive phase, the coming weeks will offer a clearer picture of who is truly in the running for silverware.