“Considering new signings, Arsenal have to win a trophy this season” — from a fan’s perspective
From Ipswich Town to England women, Ellie Cox has been a football fan all her life. Spending her Sundays travelling across the country in time for kick off, Cox has high hopes for Arsenal this season, giving her thoughts on Eidevall, the Emirates, and everything in between.
Currently studying biomedical science at the University of Birmingham, Cox grew up in Northamptonshire, but followed in her dad’s footsteps to emerge as a Blues supporter. With an outlet for the men’s game, she had a link to football, but it wasn't until the 2019 women’s World Cup that Cox found her passion for the sport. Looking back on her pinnacle moments, the 21-year-old points to the tournament’s anticipated opening match-up between England and Scotland. “I’m half-Scottish, half-English, so I watched the game, and from that moment I was football-mad”, she recalls.
From there, she dove straight into the WSL, and scouted out her closest team to support. After research, Cox knew it was a choice between Birmingham City and Arsenal, both of whom had been thoroughly impressive in their fight for the 2019 title. With Arsenal taking the top spot, Cox opted for the Gunners, but explained that it was the treatment of City’s Women’s team from management that had pushed her in the other direction. “I didn’t want to support a team that wasn't treating it’s female players properly”, said Cox, referring to the issues on facilities, travel and budget restrictions raised by BCFC players in a letter to the club’s board.
From then on, Cox has sung ‘North London forever’ at every opportunity, and supports her team as often as possible. Having been given her first Arsenal tickets for Christmas in 2019, Cox travelled to Meadow Park in January to see her team take on Chelsea in an intense London derby. Since then, Arsenal have evolved from their traditional home ground to play a increasing number of fixtures at The Emirates, a stage with fifteen-times the capacity of Meadow Park. Cox spoke of her frustration in getting tickets for the smaller stadium nowadays, explaining that because season ticket holders, along with their guests, are given priority, other fans are often unable to get their hands on seats at the ground.
But she notes that Meadow Park’s sold-out crowds demonstrate the impressive promotion of Arsenal women from the club’s executives. The Gunners’ approach offers a side-by-side development of both the men’s and women’s teams, Cox says, the latest indication of which saw Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli pictured wearing the new Arsenal women’s away strip on Instagram in support of their counterparts. As the side look to make The Emirates their new permanent home, Cox explains that the club “works hard to align the two teams together”, without which the women wouldn’t have the support they do.
On her enjoyment of the games, Cox points to the sense of security and inclusivity, explaining that she “feels a lot safer” going to a WSL game compared to the Championship. As a solo female fan, she notes the family dynamic that comes alongside the WSL, as well as the incentive of cheap ticket prices — on average, Arsenal tickets are around £8 a game. Cox thinks that now may be the time for prices to rise, as a result of the increasing standard of football that has boosted crowds — but hopes clubs are not priced out of competitive football as a result.
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall recently explained that clubs must keep encouraging fans to return to matches, an argument used by those in favour of keeping prices low. But to do that, they must also play exciting and entertaining football — the likes of which the Gunners have had difficulty with in their opening WSL fixtures. On her team, Cox says that the Arsenal squad may be yet to “click” with each other, following numerous summer signings and the absence of long-term players through injury. But she stresses that with the talent and experience on offer from new additions, “you would have expected them to slot in better than they have”. The expected depth of the squad leaves Cox certain of one thing: “Arsenal have to win a trophy this season”.
Cox still has faith in her team, emphasising the impact that Beth Mead’s return will have on the side, soon to be followed by Vivianne Miedema and Leah Williamson. On Mead, Cox spoke of her role during Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa, explaining how Mead “sees the game differently” as a result of her footballing intelligence. Williamson’s comeback will provide Arsenal’s backline with a “sense of security”, while Miedema’s inclusion in the Netherlands’ squad for Nations League clashes will provide the Gunners with much comfort, given the forward’s ability to “wriggle her way out of places”, says Cox. On the influence of players, Cox also emphasises Kim Little’s ability to lead by example, while Ireland captain Katie McCabe’s strength is a feature Arsenal certainly benefit from.
Cox praises Eidevall, following the manager’s contract extension, and speaks highly of his vision for the club, with emphasis on results last season and the way in which he intends to continue building his squad. She notes his perseverance throughout Arsenal’s ACL crisis, but hopes to see more research in the frequency of injuries as a result — and points to Chelsea’s monitoring of the menstrual cycle as a method that the club could adopt. Manchester United defender Gabby George has become the latest WSL player to injure the ligament, serving as a reminder that the issue remains a key obstacle that clubs must nagivate throughout their season.
On England, Cox is eagerly awaiting the return of international football, with tickets to see the Lionesses face Belgium next Friday (27th Oct). Following the EURO 2022 success, during which Cox was in the crowd as Chloe Kelly spectacularly scored the match-winner against Germany, she has been hugely encouraged by the increase in viewership for England women. She highlights the importance of male support for the side, and smiles when spotting men with ‘Russo’ or ‘Daly’ on their back. “It’s the small things that mean so much”.
On the Nations League squads, Cox is disappointed to see the omission of Jordan Nobbs, worrying about the strength of England’s midfield. However, she is reassured by the return of Keira Walsh and places faith in Alessia Russo to deliver yet again for her nation. With Arsenal, Ipswich, and England to keep an eye on this year, it’s set to be a fantastic rest of the season for football-mad Cox.
