The pyrotechnics during the walkout were not the only thing lighting up the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, as Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win over Leicester City in the WSL.
But it was not Beth Mead, who bagged a brace, or Alessia Russo, who netted her ninth league goal of the season, who took the plaudits.
It was full-back Emily Fox who stole the show with her rousing player of the match performance, dazzling down the right flank to warrant a standing ovation from the 42,000 in attendance.
A partnership full of promise in Fox and Williamson
The American’s urgency was perfectly complemented by Leah Williamson’s poise, and boss Jonas Eidevall was full of praise for the right-sided defensive duo after the Gunners booked their ticket for European football next term.
“It’s an exciting partnership on our right hand side,” Eidevall said.
“As well as good football players, they are so athletic, and today was one of the best examples of how this right side can work.”
Almost all of Arsenal’s attacking chances were forged on that side of the field, either through energetic bursts from Fox or incisive forward-thinking and movement from Williamson.
The latter made her long-awaited return from an ACL injury in January and has since been pivotal in the Gunners’ fight to keep up with front-runners Chelsea and Manchester City.
And her performance against the Foxes was no different – a classy reminder of the skills possesses.
Following a turgid opening, the game sprang into life with Williamson at the heart, commanding the ball from her defensive peers and illustrating acute awareness to bring in the likes of Russo and Mead.
The right-sided centre-half even showed her prowess on the wing for a brief moment, nutmegging Jutta Rantala before floating in a teasing cross.
And yet when she was put under pressure by her own goalkeeper inside the 18-yard box with two Leicester players breathing down her neck, Arsenal’s No.6 demonstrated the composure to drop a shoulder and steer clear of any danger.
Emily Fox coming into her own at Arsenal
While Williamson was commanding throughout the game, it was January signing Fox who illuminated the right wing.
Eidevall has been trying to implement an attacking press from his full-backs throughout the campaign.
They have been exploited in the past for leaving space in behind, just as they were in their trip to Stamford Bridge in March, a loss which may prove to be a title-defining.
But in north London on Sunday, it worked a treat.
Fox was marauding up and down the flank without breaking a sweat, drifting through gaps and delivering pinpoint crosses.
She ultimately became the go-to link between defence and attack in the second period.
The introduction of Frida Maanum led to a slight shuffle as Mead moved to the left, and the American gladly accepted as she proceeded into an even more advanced position.
For large parts of the second half, Fox was essentially playing as a right winger, but that didn’t stop the full-back from tracking back to complete her defensive duties.
“There is one instance in the second half where Emily Fox is contesting a ball in the pocket,” Eidevall said.
“She loses the duel but then recovers 50 metres to win another on the player that runs in the back.”
Fox then eased her way up the field with the ball before eventually finding herself with a clear shot on goal, but she fired straight at Lize Kop in the Leicester net.
“It just shows her ability and how athletic she is – she can cover so much ground,” Eidevall added.
Despite not being directly involved in any of Arsenal’s three goals, what Fox can bring to the table is a very exciting prospect for a team who are bidding to challenge for the title next season.
There is a possibility of WSL silverware for Eidevall and Arsenal this season but, with City and Chelsea appearing not to stutter, it is an outside chance at best.
Fox’s stellar performances since signing from North Carolina Courage have left Eidevall with a welcome selection dilemma for the right-back spot.
This was previously Laura Wienroither’s territory, but she is seemingly kept at bay, particularly now that Fox and Williamson are beginning to establish a strong coalition.
“They [Fox and Williamson] obviously need time together to play and find out their strengths,” Eidevall added.
“How they want [to receive] the passes and how they want the communication to work.
“But I can see that right side being so aggressive for us, both on and off the ball.”
Feature image credit: joshjdss / Wikimedia Commons
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