Freya Godfrey: London City Lionesses can upset Arsenal on WSL debut | OneFootball

Freya Godfrey joined Arsenal on a permanent deal this summer after spending the second half of last season on loan at the club

The London City Lionesses kick off their first campaign in the WSL on Saturday afternoon and they couldn’t have got a much tougher game in their opener.

Despite facing Arsenal, London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey believes that her team can cause an upset with a debut win in the WSL.

London City Lionesses prepared for historic season

Last season the London City Lionesses pulled off the impossible with their first-ever promotion to the WSL.

With their promotion from the Championship, the London City Lionesses will become the first independent women’s club to ever play in the top-flight.

20-year-old Freya Godfrey spoke this week about the new season and how excited she is to play in the WSL.

“I always thought that we were going to do it [get promoted]. I don’t think there was anyone that doubted that we would actually do it,” Godfrey said.

“That feeling when the final whistle went, that feeling of relief, the feeling that we just accomplished for a club who’s been around for less than ten years, and we’ve gained promotion to the WSL. It was an incredible feeling.”

Freya Godfrey joined Arsenal on a permanent deal this summer after spending the second half of last season on loan at

The London City Lionesses worked their way up the football pyramid rapidly after forming in 2019.

“We were such a close group last year,” Godfrey continued. “We were a family. To be able to do it with people around you that have so much love for these people… on the pitch, off the pitch, the staff, the players, everyone… it was an incredible feeling.”

Having dominated the Championship last year, the Lionesses face a much stiffer test in the WSL this year.

Despite that test, Godfrey still believes her side can challenge Arsenal on the opening weekend.

“As a team, we are so excited to be playing there [thee Emirates]. Everyone knows how incredible of a place it is. The atmosphere is going to be good, first game of the season, and we’re going to be ready to try and cause an upset, which is very exciting.”

Godfrey played for Arsenal between 2023-25 and the Gunners were the first team to offer the youngster a professional contract.

The London City Lionesses face off against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in their first game of the season on Saturday, September 6th.

Who have the Lionesses signed ahead of WSL debut?

The London City Lionesses have been one of the most active WSL clubs in the transfer market this summer.

After getting promoted, the club has been extremely busy in the transfer window.

London City Lionesses signings

The Lionesses have been negotiating deal for Arsenal’s Beth Mead all summer, but no move has been confirmed yet.

With the transfer window closing on Thursday, September 4th, the Lionesses will have to move quick if they are to sign Mead before they face her current club, Arsenal.