Arsenal defender Steph Catley insists there can be “no excuses” if the club fail to mount a serious challenge for the Women’s Super League title this season, as the Gunners aim to bring an end to Chelsea’s six-year grip on the domestic crown.
Arsenal last lifted the WSL trophy in 2019, and despite being the only English side to win the Women’s Champions League — twice, most recently in May — their domestic return has not matched their European pedigree. Catley believes the recent Champions League triumph has reset expectations.
“Winning something as big as the Champions League puts a target on your back,” Catley told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Women’s Football Weekly. “We know we haven’t delivered enough domestically in recent years. But this squad has the quality, the structure, and now it’s about consistency and meeting those standards every week.”
That consistency was lacking at the start of last season, which led to the departure of Jonas Eidevall and the appointment of Renée Slegers. The Swedish coach inspired a turnaround, culminating in victory over Barcelona in the Champions League final. Catley says the players have been “working deeply” with Slegers during pre-season to build a stronger foundation.
Learning from Chelsea’s resilience is part of that growth. “Chelsea often win matches when they’re not at their best. For us, the football is often excellent, but has it produced results consistently? Not enough,” Catley admitted.
The European triumph has sharpened ambitions across the squad. Forward Beth Mead stressed that Arsenal must now translate their talent into week-to-week results: “We want to win every trophy, but it has to be more than words. This season it’s about putting it on the pitch.”
Alessia Russo, joint-top scorer in the WSL last term, echoed that sentiment: “When you win something as huge as the Champions League, it makes you crave more. We know we’ve fallen short in the league, and we want to put that right.”
Arsenal have also signaled intent in the transfer market. Canada forward Olivia Smith joined for a British record £1m, Chloe Kelly arrived from Manchester City, and Taylor Hinds strengthened the defence from Liverpool. Mead acknowledged the competition for attacking places as a motivating factor: “When you’re pushed by teammates like Smith and Kelly, it elevates your game. It’s what this squad needs.”
Another significant step is the confirmation that Arsenal will play all WSL and European fixtures at Emirates Stadium. Catley believes the move will be transformative: “The Emirates gives us a real edge — the crowd, the pitch, the atmosphere. It feels like a fortress, and we want opponents to dread coming here.”
Arsenal open their campaign at home against newly promoted London City Lionesses on Saturday. While the visitors will be looking to upset the occasion, the Gunners are intent on making an early statement in front of their home support.
