Joe Montemurro masterminded an Arsenal revival when he took charge in November – but next season will provide a greater platform on which to shine.

That’s according to Gunners legend Rachel Yankey, who played a pivotal role in the all-conquering Arsenal side which won domestic and European silverware for fun between 2006 and 2009.

Chelsea and Manchester City have emerged as the new forces of the women’s game, but despite a mixed start to last season, Arsenal won one trophy and made the final of another competition after Australian Montemurro took to reins.

The club has already been boosted by the news Netherlands trio Danielle van de Donk, Sari van Veenendaal and Dominique Janssen have all penned new deals.

Former England forward Yankey now feels a full pre-season will give the manager a greater chance to stamp his authority on the team and take the north Londoners to the next level.

“The new manager has come in and settled the team down and put his own style in,” said Yankey, who enjoyed 11 trophy-laden years with the Gunners from 2005 to 2016.

“Next season will be the time where you can really test what Joe is all about and what he wants from the team.

“Everyone will know where they need to be at and they need to playing in these major showpiece finals at Wembley, FA Cup finals and the like.

“They need to get back up there and push for the Champions League and winning the division – it’s a pressure that comes with playing for Arsenal football club.

“The fact he’s re-signed the Dutch players too – they’re European Championship winners, it’s a massive statement and I think Arsenal will be up there.”

Arsenal ended the FA WSL league season strongly, finishing one point behind Manchester City in second and seven adrift of champions Chelsea.

And despite the aforementioned outfits establishing themselves as the teams to beat in recent times, Yankey is confident Arsenal’s rich tradition and history in the women’s game stems well for the seasons ahead.

“Arsenal can be very strong, the history of the club and the quality of the players they can obviously produce throughout the youth system and bring into the club through outside sources is immense,” added Yankey, speaking at a Play on the Pitch experience day at Wembley Stadium for lucky SSE Reward members.

“It’s dipped in recent years but the values of the club and what the club needs to do is make sure they push on.”

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