Arsenal have found themselves at the heart of international success, not for the first time in the club's history, with the victory of England women’s this evening.
After a gruelling 120 minutes against a Germany side that were pre-match favourites by all accounts, England ran out 2-1 winners, courtesy of a 110th minute winner by Kelly.
In an event destined to be a catalyst in the development of women’s football in the country, two Arsenal players were at the forefront of the seismic moment.
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Beth Mead’s stellar performance, not just in the final, but throughout the tournament saw her win both player of the tournament and the golden boot award.
With six goals throughout the tournament, on top of a competition high five assists, the Gunners no.9 was level’s above any opposition defence that came up against her.
The 27-year-old captured the hearts of a nation, and just how youngster’s last summer looked to Bukayo Saka’s heartbreak as inspiration, Mead will have a similar role in galvanising women’s football in the country.
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As for Leah Williamson - Ms Arsenal herself - lifting the European Championship as captain, the 25-year-old has solidified herself in English sporting history.
Similarly to Mead, her tournament was nothing short of spectacular, both in and out of possession.
The ball playing defender completed a tournament high 472 passes, whilst also topping the ball recovery stats, with a monstrous 56 ball recoveries.
Speaking after the game, the England captain described the moment as:
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"The proudest moment of my life".
Williamson also went on to encourage fans to watch the Women's game next season:
"We want them to come to WSL games".
The captain lifted the trophy, to complete a perfect day.
As for the two further members of the Gunners contingent, Nikita Parris and Lotte Wubben-Moy, whilst they didn’t have the minutes of their Arsenal counterparts, they nonetheless fed into the ethos built by Sarina Wiegman.
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Despite their summer exertions, the Arsenal contingent will have little rest, with the season curtain raiser against Manchester in the WSL just over a month away.
The game will be at 7pm on the Sunday 11th September, live on SkySports, as the WSL seeks to capitalise on the momentum built off the back of this Euro’s.
Topics: Arsenal, England, Womens Football
