North London Derby: Beth Mead becomes first female player on Arsenal programme
Beth Mead has become the first female player to feature on an Arsenal programme for a men’s match.
Mead is in the form of her life, backing up her Euro 2022 Golden Boot with three goals in as many matches in the Women’s Super League.
The 27-year-old scored the opening goal in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, and now the club has acknowledged her achievement in style.
With the men’s club competing in their own North London Derby this weekend, the latest issue of the programme celebrates some of the most iconic goals scored in the grudge match.
This includes Thierry Henry’s brilliant solo effort against Tottenham in 2002, which resulted in one of the most widely-recognised celebrations in football history.
It also features Emile Smith-Rowe’s opening goal against Spurs last season, while Mead is the third player to appear on the cover.
“Fresh from the scoring in the NLD… that’s our Beth Mead,” the Arsenal Women Twitter account wrote. “One of our own on the front of the men’s issue – the first time in club history.”
Fresh from the scoring in the NLD… that’s our @bmeado9