This summer, both Arsenal and Chelsea have experienced turnover in their squads.
The Gunners lost stalwarts Beth Mead and Katie McCabe among others but have freshened their team with England midfielder Georgia Stanway, Spain World Cup winner Ona Batlle and Switzerland captain Geraldine Reuteler among a glut of exciting signings.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea snapped up McCabe on a free transfer and splashed cash on Manchester United’s Melvine Malard but can no longer call on Sam Kerr and Millie Bright, two defining players from their era of dominance.
With their latest quest for silverware getting started this weekend, it was Arsenal boss Renee Slegers who struck a more confident tone about her expectations for the season.
“We’ve been open about it – the WSL title is something we’re going after,” said Slegers, before her side open the season at Brighton on Sunday. “It’s something where we really have our mind set.
“Of course there’s a big belief in what we are doing, the quality that we possess and the different tools we have to use. There’s a real hunger.”
Sunday’s game offers Arsenal an early return to Broadfield Stadium in Crawley, where their bid to chase down Manchester City last season was ended by a 1-1 draw against Brighton in May.
A number of similar results cost Arsenal, particularly at the beginning of the year, and Slegers is determined to avoid lightning striking twice.
“We’ve spoken about it with the staff, the captains, the player group,” she said. “Everyone is aware of it. We know the hurdles we had last year – and that’s what we’re working towards.
“The quality of players that we have here, there’s so many things that we can bring to a game now. I’m really happy about it.”
And is this her strongest squad at Arsenal?
“Yes, I would say so.”