Victoria Pelova

On Sunday, November 16, the WSL will see its first North London derby of the season, with Spurs hosting at Brisbane Road. But that shouldn't intimidate Arsenal, who enter the match as favorites—they have lost only once to their city rivals in all competitions.

Let's recall the last North London derby, which was historic. A record crowd gathered at the Emirates, and Chloe Kelly made her debut for Arsenal in that match.

After an unsuccessful North London derby, the Gooners made up for it in a preseason match against another London team, West Ham. They won 2-0, with both goals scored by Norwegian midfielder Frida Maanum, who recently extended her contract. Arsenal will start the season without their defensive stalwart and biggest star, Leah Williamson, while Stina Blackstenius, who did not play in the match, is also struggling with injury.

An ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury is one of the worst nightmares of a football career. Arsenal footballer Victoria Pelova, who was out of action for almost a year after being in treatment for an ACL, knows this.

She returned to the pitch for the first time on 22 March in Arsenal's match against Liverpool, when she was brought on in the 74th minute as a substitute for Marion Caldentey. The match was played at the Emirates Stadium when Pelova received a big applause from the home fans. In addition, Arsenal won 4-0.

She made her big comeback story on 15 April at the Emirates, scoring for the first time since her return, of course to great celebrations from her teammates and fans.

Arsenal, the club she has been playing for since the 2022/23 season, have now released a ten minute documentary to celebrate their important player, about what it's like for a footballer to return to the swing of her career when an ACL injury comes her way.

Watch it here.