With the World Cup underway, this weekend saw the WSL take the spotlight in English football.
There were some good games on offer for the weekend; a top of the table clash at the Emirates and a London derby at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea women broke their home attendance record, playing at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2019, and left little for fans to be disappointed with. Goals from Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten and a wonder goal from Erin Cuthbert ensured a comfortable win for Emma Hayes, in her return to the dugout.
The 40,000 at the Emirates were also treated to a tense game. With Manchester United leading at half-time, Arsenal found their form in the second half, equalising after 37 seconds. Producing a sensational turn-around and preventing a 15th straight league win, United pulled off their first win against one of the ‘big three’.
Manchester United’s Katie Zelem proved to be the difference providing an assist from two set pieces for the match winning goals.
However it was distressing scenes for Arsenal fans in extra-time, with Beth Mead being limping off. It is now known she suffered an ACL injury, and is set to, ‘experience an extended period on the sidelines.’
It wasn’t just WSL games that created record attendances,, Sheffield United Women drew a crowd of 11,137 when they lost 2-0 to London City Lionesses at Bramall Lane.
Attendances at usual home grounds are increasing. WSL average attendance in August 2020 was 3,092, currently in November 2022, it is 5,099. The aim is for it to average 6,000 by 2024.
The aim is faced with difficulty as Arsenal’s regular home at Meadow Park can only hold 4,500 at most. Chelsea usually play at Kingsmeadow, which only holds 4,850 at capacity.
During her post-match press conference, Emma Hayes said, “I’m absolutely certain we’re all outgrowing our small stadiums, that I’m sure off.”
The queries within the sport are now where next and how? Emma Hayes is someone with these questions and said, “Is there a medium-term plan to go to medium-size stadiums before eventually everyone comes home to the large stadium?’.
Arsenal have been a team, always wanting to expand attendances. They are doing this by playing their home team Champions League matches at the Emirates, which have drawn in larger crowds compared to previous seasons.
This month sees the league in an unusual position, being boosted over the summer and continuing through until Christmas, with the Premier League on hiatus until the conclusion of Qatar 2022.
Clubs are seizing the moment, with further games to be played at larger stadia; Manchester United are playing Aston Villa at Old Trafford with 20,000 tickets having already been sold.