Arsenal hold the record attendance for the Barclay’s Women’s Super League (WSL). In February, the Gunners took on Manchester United and an unparalleled 60,160 supporters made the journey to North London. With six of eleven home matches played at the Emirates this season, how has the club maintained this huge fanbase? And what steps will they make going forward to continue making history?
WSL Attendances at the Emirates this Season
With Arsenal playing over half their home WSL fixtures at the Emirates this season, they have proved themselves the most popular English club for women’s football. In September, the record attendance in the WSL was set at 47,367 when Arsenal met Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates in 2022.
However, the Gunners exceeded their own record four times this season. When playing at in North London, the number of fans they attract never fails them.
Arsenal v Liverpool, 1st October: 54,115
Arsenal v Aston Villa, 15th October: 35, 829
Arsenal v Chelsea, 10th December: 59,042
Arsenal v Manchester United: 60,160
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur: 60,050
What does it mean for the players to perform on the big stage?
Arsenal are strong contenders in the title race this season. Playing in front of record-breaking home crowds influences the club’s success.
England Captain and Arsenal defender, Leah Williamson, stated "every time we come here this is a professional environment, the pitch is incredible, the fans, how much you take from that atmosphere as well.” In such a competitive league, Arsenal rely on the support of their fans to boost their hopes of silverware this season.
Having already won the Continental Tyres Cup a few weeks ago, the Gunners will have their eyes set on being even more successful. With only five matches left, the fans will need to turn up to give their team their best shot at ending the season on a high.
So, how does this Arsenal side attract more fans than other WSL clubs?
Many players for the Gunners are also regulars in the Lionesses squad. In 2022 England won the UEFA Women’s EURO on home soil. With Williamson captaining the team to victory, alongside Arsenal teammates Beth Mead, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and now Alessia Russo.
With Mead securing the Golden Boot for this tournament, and Russo finding the back of the net on many occasions, this attracted many fans to Arsenal. Russo moved to North London in the 2023 summer. Following the tournament win and this transfer, England saw huge growth in women’s football, which prospered the Gunner’s fanbase.
However, the squad also features three Australian nationals: Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross. Being another popular country in women’s football, the Mathildas in Jonas Eidevall’s team also influence the peak in supporters.
How will the Gunners continue to play in front of a sold-out crowd in the future?
As a lifelong Gunner, Williamson, believes it is a ‘realistic’ aim for the club to be playing at the Emirates every weekend. She knows the women’s game deserves more recognition and is determined to play a key role in the growth of the game.
With the biggest WSL fanbase, Arsenal should, without a doubt, have the opportunity to play in North London more regularly. As the investment grows in the sport, and the gap between men’s and women’s football narrows, the opportunities to perform on the big stage will only increase.
As a consequence, Arsenal are important components of women’s football in England. Their success at the Emirates this season will inspire other clubs to campaign for more games at larger stadiums, expanding their audiences in a similar way.
By Charlotte Davey
@charfootie
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