In this shorter news episode of Arsenal Women Trailblazers I cover two stories you need to know about today.

First up, the WSL and WSL2 have agreed that from next season clubs will be allowed to sell alcohol in the stands, in sight of the pitch, after two seasons of trials across the top two tiers and around 190 fixtures. I explain what has actually changed, why it is optional rather than mandatory, and why this will split opinion between fans who want a more relaxed matchday experience and those who are worried about importing the worst bits of the men’s game atmosphere into the women’s game. I also share how it sits with my own experience of the women’s game being more respectful and family friendly, and ask you whether you would like to see alcohol allowed in the bowl at Arsenal Women home games.

Then I switch to Arsenal news. Canada Soccer and Arsenal have confirmed that Olivia Smith has withdrawn from the Canada squad for the SheBelieves Cup after suffering a concussion, and she will stay in North London to recover under Arsenal’s medical team. I give a quick round up of what has been reported and then use it as a chance to look back at her first season in red and white. I talk about the pressure of arriving with the “first £1m women’s player” tag, her dream WSL debut where she scored and led the game for shots, touches in the box and dribbles, and why her direct ball carrying, shot volume and productivity have already justified the hype. I explain how she offers something different to our other forwards and why I think she is going to be a huge player for Arsenal over the next few years once she is fully recovered.

I finish by asking for your thoughts on both topics. Are you for or against alcohol in the stands at Arsenal Women games, and how impressed have you been with Olivia Smith’s debut season?

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Arsenal Women: Trailblazers is a twice‑weekly fan podcast dedicated to Arsenal Women and AWFC. Join host Roberto Revilla every Monday and Friday for news, match previews and reports, tactical talking points and the stories that make Arsenal Women true trailblazers.

Intro/Outro Music thanks to raspberrymusic from Pixabay

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