McCabe's Arsenal 'envious' of WSL champions Chelsea

Katie McCabe says Arsenal are "envious" of Women's Super League title rivals Chelsea because of their continued success in the top flight.

The Gunners take on the seven-time champions at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

"It always hurts [seeing Chelsea lift title]. You want that to be you. You are in a team sport to be lifting trophies with your team-mates," said McCabe.

"Of course you are envious of them being successful. What we can do is focus on ourselves and put one foot in front of the other. Hopefully, by the end of the season, that will be us.”

Arsenal sit sixth in the WSL with five points, one point behind Chelsea in second, who have also played one game fewer.

Chelsea's league match against Manchester United was set to be played on Sunday, 6 October but was postponed because of a conflict with the Blues' European schedule.

It means Sonia Bompastor's side had a weekend off before playing in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Saturday's match will be Arsenal's third in seven days.

But McCabe said Arsenal "relish" competing in all competitions and have the squad depth to tackle such a busy schedule.

"You want to be playing a lot of games," the Republic of Ireland captain said.

"Of course five games in 15 days is a lot but that is the beauty of playing in a big squad as well, the strength in depth that we have. If the manager needs to rotate we know anyone can come in and do a good job.

"It is a challenge that we look at and relish rather than shying away from it."

Arsenal have indeed strengthened in recent seasons, signing big names such as England striker Alessia Russo and Spanish World Cup winner Mariona Caldentey, as well as keeping hold of experienced players like McCabe.

But the Gunners have not lifted the WSL title in five years and have finished third in the last two seasons, meaning they have had to jump extra hurdles in order to qualify for the Champions League group stages.

Jonas Eidevall's side came through two rounds of qualifying this season to reach the group stage, where they will meet Bayern Munich, Juventus and Valerenga.

"We have always been looking to build each season, and we did that in the window, but most importantly kept the same core group of the squad that has been there for a long time and understand the ins and outs of the club," added McCabe.

Despite Chelsea's dominance when it comes to lifting the league title, Arsenal did beat them in last year's League Cup final and secured an impressive 4-1 WSL victory over the Blues at the Emirates.

"We take those moments as positives and bring it in and really instil that winning mentality into the team," said McCabe.

"We already did it last year, so it’s not a new thing for us. It is about controlling ourselves, controlling our game plan and what we want to do in the game and applying it. And going in with the right attitude of course."

McCabe's physical presence and no-nonsense attitude on the pitch has developed her a reputation as something of a pantomime villain in the WSL.

The 29-year-old has received the most yellow cards in the WSL with 32 in eight seasons.

She also holds the record for receiving the most bookings in a single campaign with eight yellow cards in both the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons.

"Everyone has their own opinion but I don’t think that I’m a ‘baddie’ or a ‘villain’," she said.

"I think what I am is a physical player and I am not afraid or going to shy away from any challenges or any opponents.

"I’ll always be giving it 100% for the club and my teammates and whatever way that comes across that’s up to each person to interpret whichever way they want.

"I go out there to give 100%, heart on my sleeve and I won’t be changing."