Emily Fox: Arsenal defender has been ‘pushed and challenged’ in WSL
Fox fell in love with playing for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, which was the “icing on the cake” in her decision to sign for the club.
She watched Arsenal beat Chelsea 4-1 from the stands before moving to England In front of record crowds.
“This is just the icing on the cake, this is what I want to achieve,” Fox added. “It’s really inspiring.
“I’ve been through all the behind-the-scenes stuff and I think just watching the team play and experiencing the Emirates Stadium, the crowd, everyone’s passion for the women’s football team and how good they perform.”
Arsenal’s WSL match against Aston Villa on Sunday is their final game at the club’s home stadium in 2024.
This will be the tenth time the women’s team have played here this year, with the Gunners losing only once to Chelsea in October.
The club will make the Emirates Stadium the home stadium of the women’s team for the 2024-25 season.
Eight of the WSL’s matches are played there, as well as home games in the Women’s Champions League, with the exception of the final Group C game against Bayern Munich. moved due to a scheduling conflict with the men’s team.
Playing at the Emirates Stadium has not lost its impact on Fox, who said it was a “pinch-me moment” every time she stepped onto the pitch.
“Football is everything here,” she said. “It’s all about football and culture is about football.
“The first time I went to the Emirates Stadium to watch a game and then the first time I played, it was so surreal. Especially when my parents came to see me.
“They didn’t grow up playing football, so when your family comes and you’re chanting in these amazing stadiums with sold-out crowds, it’s more of a nervous moment for me.
“That’s when I realized what an amazing and unique experience this was.”
