Jenna Nighswonger has officially begun her journey with Arsenal. After arriving in North London during the January transfer window, the USWNT star finally made her much-anticipated debut last night. Many assumed the Gunners spent $100,000 on her to fill the left-back position. However, in her first match, Nighswonger started in a rather unexpected role—one vastly different from the position she played at Gotham FC.
Many of you have often seen her play in the left-back position. However, in yesterday’s FA Women’s Cup fifth round against London City at Meadow Park, Jenna started in the midfield. Precisely, it can be called the left-attacking role as she formed a trio alongside forward Caitlin Foord and Alessia Russo. Additional occasions saw her charging up down the wing, basically taking less role of defending but more of creating.
Considering the position she played in America, many were intrigued by this sudden change. However, manager Renée Slegers had a clear explanation, citing the team’s immediate needs. “Knowing that Jenna could play this role and the dynamics we had on the left side, we felt this would give the most ability to the team. Credit to Jenna for picking that up, because it’s not easy in a new team,” said the Dutch tactician, as compiled by journalist Jamie Spangher on X.
Well, one shouldn’t be surprised to see Nighswonger making most of her contribution to the attack. To remind you, she was a natural midfielder before signing for Gotham in 2023. However, since the NWSL side had a shortage of left-backs, the 24-year-old was adjusted to play on the backline. So ardent fans shouldn’t really call it an out-of-the-blue move from Slegers.
Asked Slegers about the decision to play Nighswonger in the mid:
“Knowing that Jenna could play this role and the dynamics we had on the left side, we felt this would give the most ability to the team. Credit to Jenna for picking that up, because it’s not easy in a new team.” https://t.co/QNXNeeuy2Z
— Jamie Spangher (@jamiespangher) February 9, 2025
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