Manchester City striker Vivianne Miedema has said she feels “free” and like herself again after facing her former club Arsenal for the first time.
The Gunners hosted City in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium to kick off their 2024-25 WSL campaigns. Arsenal opened the scoring through Frida Maanum before Miedema scored against her former club to level the tie.
“Coming back for the first time is a difficult thing,” said the Dutch international after the match. “It's the first time you've been back home, to the place you've been for seven years, so it's not easy, it's not like any other normal game, but I think Gareth [Taylor] “She's been really good to me in terms of what I wanted to do this week, and the girls have helped me out today, and I'm really happy that the game is over and we can move on.”
Miedema spent seven years with Arsenal, winning the 2019 WSL title before moving to league rivals City on a free transfer at the end of last season, signing a three-year contract.
The 28-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in December 2022, which kept her out of action for much of the past two campaigns. However, the forward admitted she is starting to feel like her old self again after also scoring during City's 4-0 win over Paris FC in their UEFA Women's Champions League qualifier on Wednesday.
“You could see on the pitch at times that I was back to my old self, that I could make some passes and score some goals, and I think that's the only thing I have to focus on right now and keep going,” she added. “I'm happy to have stayed in England, I'm happy to have stayed in the league. I feel free, I feel like I can be myself, and that's really what I needed.”
Jess Park gave City the lead in the second half before Miedema was substituted in the 78th minute. Beth Mead scored in the 81st minute to leave the two teams level.
Despite an expected lukewarm reception from the 41,818-strong crowd, Miedema was greeted with loud applause when her name was read out in City's starting XI before the match. She did not celebrate her goal, although this is not unusual for the prolific goalscorer.
“I'm very happy with the welcome I received from the fans and the other girls. It was very special,” said Miedema.
“I wanted to be respectful to the fans who have supported me for the last seven years and who still support me, so I think I did the right thing in that regard.
“Coming back here today, the main focus was on surviving and getting through that game, and then everything else that came with that was just a bonus.”
