Arsenal Women don begin their pre-season preparations with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace for the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Saturday.
Na Shanade Hopcroft wey give Crystal Palace the lead for the first half with a long-range shot wey beat Misa Rodriguez for the 25th minute. Before that, Arsenal don create some chances, with Alessia Russo and Olivia Smith dey try but the Palace goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin no gree.
For the second half, coach Renée Slegers change the whole team, and the fresh legs immediately make Arsenal dey control the game. Sophie Harwood con create opening for summer signing Lisa Baum, but the German winger no score that one. However, with 15 minutes remaining, Bryony-Rose Brodie find Baum for the edge of the box, and the 19-year-old wey come from RB Leipzig dance inside before firing high into the net to equalise.
The comeback complete later when Chloe Kelly coolly control high ball and then steer a half-volley beyond Shae Yanez into far corner. Kelly, wey don struggle with injury last season, show say she dey sharp for this new campaign.
This win give Arsenal encouraging start as dem prepare for the new season. Lisa Baum, wey score six goals for the Frauen-Bundesliga last season, don already show wetin im fit add to the squad. Kelly, wey be England international and Champions League winner, talk say im main goal na to stay fit and fresh all season.
Arsenal also don make plenty changes this summer. Beth Mead and Katie McCabe don leave for title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, while new signings like Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich and Ona Batlle from Barcelona don join the Gunners. Batlle talk say she believe say Arsenal be the right place for am to continue winning trophies.
