Arsenal Women Weekly Round-Up: 5-Star Finish, Cooney-Cross Stunner and Brighton Next
Arsenal Women concluded their pre-season with a 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic ahead of the 2026/27 WSL campaign. The match featured a notable return to form for Kyra Cooney-Cross, who scored a long-range goal following a period of compassionate leave.
Why it matters
The article highlights both the team's tactical progress and the personal resilience of a professional athlete, connecting sports performance with human interest.
It has been an encouraging final week of pre-season for Arsenal Women, with Renée Slegers' side signing off their preparations in style ahead of the new Women's Super League campaign.
A 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic provided plenty of goals and talking points, while there was also a particularly special moment for Kyra Cooney-Cross as she continued her return to football.
With pre-season now complete, attention turns to Brighton and the beginning of Arsenal's 2026/27 WSL campaign.
Arsenal rounded off pre-season on Wednesday evening with an emphatic 5-1 victory against newly-promoted WSL side Charlton Athletic at Meadow Park.
It wasn't completely straightforward to begin with, as Lucy Fitzgerald gave the visitors the lead after 24 minutes.
Georgia Stanway responded with her first Arsenal goal to bring the Gunners level before Mariona Caldentey converted from the penalty spot shortly before half-time.
The second half belonged firmly to Arsenal.
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