Chloe Kelly says she is determined to “fight for my shirt” at Arsenal after making her first appearance for the club following her move from Manchester City.
The 27-year-old winger was introduced as a 61st-minute substitute for Caitlin Foord at the Emirates Stadium during Sunday’s 5-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Kelly joined Arsenal on loan at the beginning of February after having her minutes restricted at City this season. The Athletic reported game time was a priority for the England international during for the second half of the campaign to give herself the best chance of making Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this summer’s European Championship.
She chose to move to Arsenal despite the club’s wealth of forward options, but stressed the importance of competition for places.
“I think competition for all positions is really important,” Kelly told BBC Sport. “Learning against the best players in my position is really important too.
“I think the challenge is always there, I’m ready to fight for my shirt and I want to work hard to do so.”
GO DEEPER
How Chloe Kelly’s deadline day loan from City to Arsenal happened
Having progressed through the Arsenal academy before leaving the club permanently in 2018, Kelly’s substitute appearance on Sunday ensured she has the second-longest gap between appearances for the same club (2,815 days) in Women’s Super League history, bettered only by former Everton striker Toni Duggan (2,897).
She almost marked her return to the club with a goal, striking the crossbar in the latter stages after a surging run down the left.
“It felt amazing, in front of unbelievable support today,” Kelly added. “As soon as I stepped into this club I felt a warm welcome, and what a game to do it, in the north London derby.”
She continued: “For me it’s all about building relationships with those players that you play with on the pitch. I’ve settled in really well and I’m building those relationships already, and I’m just having fun.”
A Clare Hunt own goal, plus finishes from Mariona Caldentey, Frida Maanum, Alessia Russo and Emily Fox gave Arsenal a 5-0 win in the north London derby. Goalscorer Russo praised the quality England team-mate Kelly has brought to the squad.
“It’s really nice,” Russo told BBC Sport. “Since she’s come in she’s been great. It seems like she’s been here for a long time. She’s just chatty Chloe who we all love. You can see her quality on the pitch. The first day of training the standard from her was so high, and we’re just really excited to have her.”
Following February’s international break, Arsenal return to action against West Ham United on March 2.
GO DEEPER
‘I’m ready to learn here and be happy again’ – Chloe Kelly on Arsenal reunions and England target
(Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
