During Arsenal Women’s match against Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, captain Kim Little’s halftime substitution caused concern for Gooners during an otherwise joyous afternoon.
Arsenal aimed to secure an early victory over their local rivals. It took Alessia Russo 63 seconds to put Arsenal ahead, setting our Gunners up for another NLD win. 20 minutes later, in-form Frida Maanum doubled Arsenal’s lead. By halftime, the Gunners were cruising to a comfortable win – a win that they did need after a tricky start to the season.
For the second half, it caught many by surprise when Little was replaced by Kyra Cooney-Cross. Fans of Kim Little were concerned about the decision to substitute her, given that she is considered the core of this Arsenal team. Well, interim Arsenal manager Renee Slegers alleviated any fears that her captain was injured, saying post-match that the change was a normal in-game decision, as Arsenal were already in front.
Slegers said, “It was not pre-planned, but we always go through scenarios. We were 2-0 up at halftime; we have played a lot of games; we have one more game ahead of us, and we have midfielders who deserve to play, so that was an in-game decision to change the six at halftime. Kyra is a really good footballer; she is a great player. I am happy she got to contribute, and I am happy with the other players coming on as well. I want to highlight all the players in the squad; it is not only about the players starting.”
With the crucial Champions League matchup against Juventus this week, Little being rested made sense. In that first leg 4-0 win, she, alongside Frida Maanum and Lia Walti, really put on a show. I hope they once again impress and lay the foundation for another great win over Juventus this coming Thursday, 21st November, at Emirates Stadium.
What about Kathrine Kuhl getting any play time though? Or Rosa Kafaji coming on for more than 5 minutes before the whistle blows? What do you think about our Arsenal midfield?
Michelle M
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I get the feeling that Kafaji and Kuhl will get more game time when Arsenal enter the League Cup stage.
And then in Kafaji’s case her game time may improve from there if she performs in said League Cup games.
As for Kuhl, I feel a bit sorry for her. She’s a very talented ball player. But unless she goes out on loan, her chance’s overall look limited. I hope I’m wrong, but there’s just to many midfielder’s for her to displace sadly.
Totally agree. With a largely healthy squad of 25. Each week there are going to be 5 players that don’t even make the bench. Ke is one of the players most affected alongside other youngsters Freya, Naomi, Katie(Reid) and Viv (Lia). We can only have a maximum of 16 players get ‘minutes’ each game and Renee seems committed to a stable starting eleven. Which I whole heartedly agree is what has been needed since Jonas left.
Kafaji, Kuhl & Kyra are the midfielders of the future. The existing midfield cant keep playing forever. They have to have game time in cup games or against weaker league teams. To neglect their advancement would be short sighted. I also feel sorry for Kuhl, to let go of someone so talented would be a shame. She did get a game for the U21’s earlier in the month with the other young squad players.
Kim remains an important element in the team and her experience and leadership continue to make her a key starter. However, as Renee ( and Jonas) made clear the finishing 11 are just as important as starters.
It made great sense to rest Kim for a full half given that we were so much in control of the game.
Absolutely agree that those two youngsters need game time. They are our future. Kuhl has not had any minutes that I can recall.