Karen Carney on equal‑treatment in punditry and Arsenal’s 2007 women’s Champions League win
Why punditry must be blind to gender
When asked how she prepares for a live broadcast, Karen Carney doesn’t draw a line between the men’s and women’s games. "Whether it’s a Premier League clash or a Women's Super League final, the research, the video analysis, the story‑boarding – it’s exactly the same," she says. The former international stresses that professionalism, not gender, should dictate the depth of preparation.
Carney’s routine includes watching full‑match replays, noting tactical shifts, and building a narrative that will resonate with viewers. She insists that treating both sides equally not only raises the quality of coverage but also helps close the visibility gap that still exists in football media.
Arsenal’s 2007 Champions League triumph – a benchmark for resilience
The 2007 UEFA Women’s Champions League victory remains a touchstone in Carney’s career. She describes the squad as a blend of “big characters” and “unwavering mental grit.” The team, built around a core of creative midfielders and fierce defenders, spent years laying the groundwork for that final against Umeå IK.
- **Egos as fuel:** Carney notes that while egos were present, they were harnessed to push the group forward, creating a competitive yet supportive environment.
- **Collective focus:** Every player understood her role, and when the pressure mounted, the side never wavered.
- **Historical significance:** It was the first time an English women’s club lifted the European crown, setting a standard for future generations.
Despite the milestone, Carney expresses a lingering disappointment that no English club has replicated that success in the years since. She points to the growing popularity of the women’s game as a silver lining, yet the trophy drought remains a stark reminder of the challenge ahead.
Looking forward, Carney believes the current Arsenal women’s squad can mirror that 2007 spirit when they face Barcelona in Lisbon. The Spanish giants, chasing a fourth title in five years, represent a “formidable” hurdle, but Carney draws confidence from her own experience of toppling stronger opponents – notably Birmingham City’s 2012 FA Cup upset over Chelsea.
She argues that the key ingredients remain the same: belief, disciplined preparation, and the willingness to back one another when the stakes are highest. If Arsenal can channel those qualities, Carney says an upset isn’t just possible; it’s probable.