Liverpool Women’s football team is gearing up for a critical encounter this Saturday in the Barclays Women’s Super League against Arsenal. The teams will meet at the Emirates Stadium at 5:30 PM GMT on March 22, 2025. As Liverpool prepares with an intense training session captured in photographs from their AXA Melwood Training Centre, there's an unmistakable buzz surrounding what could be a riveting clash.
The anticipation of this pivotal match comes amidst a backdrop of scrutiny regarding the quality of playing surfaces in women’s football. Recently, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright did not mince words when he referred to the pitch used during Arsenal Women's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid as a “disgrace.” The match, held on March 18 at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, was marred by a wet and muddy pitch, hindering both teams’ performances.
In the wake of the disappointing conditions, Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers reflected on the preparation needed to adapt to the less-than-ideal environment. "We spoke about it with the players before the game. We knew the condition of the pitch. So, the reality comes and these conditions come, and all of a sudden, you need to do things differently so that’s hard. But the players tried so all credit to them for trying and their work rate,” she said. Despite the challenges, Slegers remains optimistic about facing Real Madrid in the second leg on March 26, 2025.
Meanwhile, Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor also chimed in on the larger issue of pitch quality in women's football. She questioned whether the standard of the pitch at the Women’s League Cup final, hosted at Derby County’s Pride Park, would have been acceptable in the men's game, alluding to a growing consensus that women's sports must receive the same care and standards as men’s.
"I think that the standard of the Women’s League Cup final pitch would have been accepted in the men’s game," Bompastor asserted, underscoring the need for improvement in the infrastructure that supports women’s football.
Goals from Linda Caicedo and Athena del Castillo propelled Real Madrid to their victory against Arsenal, but the current focus for the Gunners is on the upcoming showdown with Liverpool, to be contested at the comfortable and familiar Emirates Stadium.
The Liverpool Women’s team, eager to seize an opportunity against a traditional rival, is looking for a strong performance to not only enhance their standing in the league but also to inspire change regarding the playing conditions in women’s football. As Arsenal faces the task of shaking off the disappointment from the Champions League loss, they hope to solidify their place in the Women's Super League during this critical matchup.
With both teams poised for action and the stakes high, this weekend’s clash is more than just a game; it's a testament to the growth and continued challenges of women’s football. Observers will be watching closely not only for the scoreline but also for the playability of the pitch that will undoubtedly affect the quality of performance on the field.
