Arsenal Women’s team is doing what the men’s team has not been able to do for an extremely long time. Having won thirty eight trophies in the past twenty five years, they are putting Arsene Wenger’s side to shame who have been without a trophy for the eight season running. Arsenal Women’s team have made winning a habit and are expected to win most of the honours in the domestic scene. But one glory that has long eluded the team is the crown of Europe-the Champions League trophy.
Coming Wednesday, Arsenal Women’s team faces ASD Torres in the quarterfinals of the prestigious tournament. Arsenal is on the hunt for the trophy which they last won in the year 2007. Though it is not unusual for a club to win the prestigious trophy just once, Arsenal is not any other team. For a team who has been sweeping off all trophies domestically and internationally, the fact they have failed to capture the European crown for the fifth season running is a matter of concern. Arsenal’s star midfielder commented that the Champions League trophy is what drives the entire team and motivates and keeps them going. She said that the entire team is extremely hungry for European success and that it is the one trophy that matters the most to the entire squad.
The final of the Champions League this year will be played out at Stamford Bridge and hence even though it is technically Chelsea’s stadium, the crowd will be comprising most Londoners and hence Arsenal are sure to have a strong backing. The fact that there is a promotion drive in ticket sales for the finals, one can expect packed stands, standing firm behind their teams and supporting them through thick and thin.
In order to bring home the Champions League trophy, Arsenal will be relying heavily on their key players Kelly Smith and Kim Little. Kelly Smith now in her third season with Arsenal has undoubtedly proven to be the biggest star of Women’s football in the United Kingdom. She has been nominated for the prestigious FIFA World Women’s Player for fours years in a row but has not managed to win the coveted prize. She is also England’s record goal-scorer and has more than a hundred caps to her name. Hope Powell, the England manager and coach has been full of praise for her talismanic striker and it waits to be seen if Kelly Smith can step up her game and bring to Arsenal the elusive Champions League trophy.
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