Arsenal fixture a six-pointer for Manchester City says forward Kelly | OneFootball

Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly says that her side’s opening day fixture at Arsenal could be a six-pointer come the end of the season.

The Cityzens travel to the Emirates Stadium to get the 2024/2025 Barclays Women’s Super League season underway on Sunday afternoon.

Both clubs are expected to be in the thick of the title race this season and Manchester City forward Kelly says that she views big games like the Arsenal fixture as six-pointers given their relevance in the battle for top spot.

“When you pick up points from teams around you, you see how big a difference it makes in the league table,” Kelly said when speaking in a Barclays Women’s Super League media event. “When you do look at the table, sometimes it’s very tight and you can see that you’ve got one of the big teams coming up and that can really make a difference. In the season, I definitely check for those [big games].

“Having Arsenal first game of the season is a three-pointer but it’s actually a six-pointer come the end of the season. It’s about winning those games under high pressure and what a way to kick-off at the Emirates.”

Manchester City were cruelly beaten to the Barclays Women’s Super League title on goal difference by Chelsea on the final day of last season. Kelly says that there will be no hangover from that disappointment and that all of the focus is now on the season ahead.

She said “I wouldn’t say ‘hangover’ because then you’re always looking back instead of looking forward. It’s really important that we use it as fuel. Where did we go wrong? We didn’t score enough goals and Chelsea beat us on goal difference.

“In some games last season, we dropped points and we know we can’t do that because the league is strong, it’s very tough. You can’t look back at the end of the season, it’s always in the moment, looking forward.

“As footballers, you always want to start the season again and be ready but I think it’s important that you reflect on where it went wrong. That clearly was goal difference. We know what we can do in both boxes where the magic happens. I think it’s important that we do reflect but we move forward too.”

Chelsea remain the side to beat in the Barclays Women’s Super League this season and Kelly says that Manchester City must be ultra-consistent if they are to topple the long-time champions.

She said “They’ve made some great signings, as have we. Football is a crazy game. When you look at it at the start of the season, everyone has something to say but it’s just really important to start the season well and it’s about whoever is consistent throughout.

“This year, we know we have Champions League which we didn’t have last year, so that’s another barrier to overcome. Chelsea had that last year, they were playing midweek and weekends. We know the calendar is going to be full this season but going up against the best and testing yourself against the best is really important.

“It’s a long season, so being consistent throughout, being fresh and ready for opportunities is important.”

Manchester City’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Arsenal kicks-off at 12.30pm on Sunday afternoon.