On the 28th of April 2022, Arsenal fans were given the news that Gunner and Gooner Tobin Heath was leaving the club. Tobin only joined the club in September 2021, but with her one-year contract ending at the end of the 2021/22 season, and her not wanting to renew, it was by all parties for Tobin to leave early to allow her to travel back to the USA.
In her leaving interview, she said, “Although I’m disappointed that my time at Arsenal has come to an early end, I have loved every minute of my time here. I would like to thank everyone at the Club who has made me feel so welcome. Arsenal is a special Club and this is a special group of players. I have no doubt that they are bound for success in the near future and I’ll be supporting the team with the rest of the Arsenal family from now on.”
In the same interview, Jonas Eidevall said, “It’s been a pleasure to work with Tobin this season. She has made an important contribution both on and off the pitch, with her mentality and character setting a great example to the entire group. We wish Tobin well for the future and look forward to seeing what comes next for her.”
HOW WAS HEATH’S TIME AT MEADOW PARK?
Tobin Heath is leaving the Gunners with only 9 WSL appearances, with her scoring 2 goals and 3 assists, only playing 295 minutes in her appearances. She also got 3 goal contributions in the Champions League, during her 4 games (169 minutes). Tobin may have not played much, but she contributed when she did.
Some of her best moments will stick with the Arsenal fans forever, such as their 1-1 draw vs Manchester City in mid-January, when Tobin pounced on a loose ball and kept her composure to drill it into the goal. The result could mean Arsenal sit at the top of the table come the season’s end, as they are in a fierce battle with the Blues.
However, she was plagued with injuries, international duty and absences in general during the last year. Arsenal fans have found themselves questioning where Heath was this season than they would have hoped, and this situation has been the main reason behind the mutual contract termination.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR TOBIN HEATH?
Well, Tobin is turning 34 next month and may want to consider hanging up her boots. Arsenal was her dream club, and she has now fulfilled that dream. She may take some time off to focus on a full recovery, as the possibility of her leaving football behind for a bit is likely.
She may look to play in a league where she hasn’t played before, such as Australia, to boost her profile, or she could stay in the WSL and try to truly make her mark for a team like Everton, who are trying to start a project. However, this is all very speculative talk, and none of this is based on much grounding whatsoever.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal are looking at getting the forwards they have either out of the door or in the squad and firing. It seems Foord could be on her way, but they will be looking at the likes of Nikita Parris and Mana Iwabuchi to step up, as they will be getting more playing time. They are also looking into giving out contracts, such as to Vivianne Miedema and potentially Lisa Evans, as they have already started this process with Lotte Wubben-Moy.
CONCLUSION
So, Heath’s time at Meadow Park is over. Heath joining Arsenal was actually the first article I ever wrote for Premier League News Now, and this is going to be the 100th article. Throughout Heath’s time with the Gunners lots has happened in women’s football, for Arsenal and outside of it too, but will she continue to play after the shortcomings of her latest endeavour? We’ll have to wait and see.
