Emily Fox interview: Arsenal defender-cum-winger speaks about her specialised role as Gunners meet Man City in WSL | Football News
Emily Fox plays a specialized role at Arsenal. On paper, it is part of the team’s defensive unit, but more often than not, its greatest contribution is in the game attack phase. It works more like a winger.
Usually, the success of any avant-garde player is by goals and aid. Fox has not yet entered one or the other category. But its importance for the configuration of Arsenal has never been felt more strongly.
During the signing of the Gunners in January 2024, manager Jonas Eidevall wanted to highlight his “strength in the two phases”. He was right. Fox may be the most complete rear currently operating in the league.
Speak exclusively at Sky Sports Of the Arsenal Sobha training base before a force test with Manchester City on Saturday, live Sky SportsThe 27 -year -old woman wanted to highlight the quota of her team what she describes as “niche players”.
By that, she means that individuals excel in their profession. Fox, although it does not verify the name, is undoubtedly one of them.
“We have so much depth in our team, there are so many niche players,” she said. “We have players with such specific strengths, and it’s so positive for us, because we can adapt and bend to any opponent.
“Our fluidity is different now, our lateral backs are invited to play much more in the pockets.” The fox in a free role is particularly convincing.
Arsenal is undefeated during each of their last five WSL meetings with Man City (W4 D1), their longer sequence without loss. Saturday will be another meeting of related styles. Fox is encouraged to join the possession of construction to create overloads in the same way as the back of the city twinning Kerstin Casparij and Leila Ouahabi.
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Highlights of the WSL confrontation between Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Pinting adversaries and suffocating space with an aggressive press is something that Arsenal has become particularly capable. “Our style is to be before and we are very attached to that,” says Fox.
Only Man City (66) has recorded more high reversals than Arsenal (65) so far this season, but the Gunners have also found a way to convert this pressure into goals. Although City failed to score such a situation, Arsenal won four goals following a high gain of possession.
Fox, among others, is crucial for the work strategy. To play in this way and succeed, the approach must be coordinated. Fox is like a rebound player, proactive and progressive in his desire to push Arsenal into attack areas.
Before Matchweek Five, the USA International holds the title of the most progressive passer in the league, joined in the first two by teammate Mariona Caldentey. It is the only so-called defender to appear in the main contributors of the League through the balls, and is also next to the city of City as key delivery of successful passes in the opposition box.
In the traditional sense, Fox is not at all a great-back. She calls back goes a “chaos trigger” and talks about her need to combine and “feed the forces”. Only Caldentey (159) is able to boast more third keys than its count of 129.
Arsenal creates the majority of their threat to the right, where Emily Fox plays
“I can play low as part of a back, or high and wide as part of the front line, and that’s how the game is moving – you cannot be unidimensional.
“The team evolves tactically, because we must expand our ability to decompose teams. My role in possession of accumulation becomes more important. Even if it does not seem to be on, it is a great relief of the stress of playing forward. A rear pass is like an invitation for chaos to get involved.”
The recent Arsenal recruitment reflects this trend. Their pursuit of Olivia Smith in summer was indicative of a movement to players who largely adapt to the mold, but have specific technical skills. Smith is one of the best carriers of the balloon in the league and is a threat in un-vs-un.
Arsenal scored nine goals in its first two WSL games, but only scored once since
Chlo̩ Kelly, another addition, is one of the best croissants. Its delivery Рalso in evidence during the recent victory in euros in England Рis always identical.
Fox has been associated with Young Star Smith since the start of the matches three times this season and likes what she sees: “When I speak of unique attributes, Liv is one of them. She brings something that we have not had in terms of direct threat. She makes things happen and can mark anywhere.”
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Olivia Smith marks an astonishing during her arsenal debut against the London City Lionesses.
Last summer, Arsenal targeted Caldentey – failing that against Vivianne Miedema, who moved to Rivals City – but they now have the best chances of the league. And before that, Alessia Russo joined one of the most prolific markers of the game. The list continues.
All these components are added to a mega team with supreme potential. Subjectively, the ingredients of the national title winners – already crowned from the champions of Europe last season.
“We have a chance to make a solid statement against Man City,” said Fox. And this intention must be considered as non -negotiable in these next blocks of lighting, which also includes a meeting of the Champions League with Lyon.
Arsenal has already lagged behind the competitor pack after consecutive matches against Manchester United and Aston Villa and cannot afford to concede more land. Their virtuoso quality must now appear in the foreground.
Read the last counter column
This week’s edition plunges into the influence of Michelle Agyemang after having marked her first goal of the season for Brighton, the leadership of Maya Le Tissier at Man Utd and the takeover of Tottenham under Martin Ho.