EXCLUSIVE: 'World champion' act helping Arsenal's Caitlin Foord into crucial clash with Manchester City

A new title of being 'world champions' is not going to shift the mindset of Arsenal players any time soon, especially not when there is another trophy within their reach.

Caitlin Foord knows all too well what it is like to come back to reality after winning a title, as do many of her Arsenal teammates in the Women's Super League.

In her six years at the club, the Australian superstar has been part of five title-winning teams, with the most recent coming just one week ago in the Women's Champions Cup.

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That match has not only boosted the confidence of the Gunners, but also helped Foord settle back into a routine of scoring, having not done so in a number of weeks.

Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum made a strong break from inside her own half before releasing Foord on the left-hand side to finish off the job in front of an electric crowd.

"I was very pleased to see the ball go into the net," the 31-year-old told Wide World of Sports.

"It is one that I will remember for a long time. It has been a while since I've seen the ball hit the net, so it was a big relief.

"Scoring at the Emirates in front of a home crowd in the final, an important game, adds even more value (to the goal).

"It is my job as a forward to score goals and to assist goals. To be able to have that opportunity in such a crucial moment ... it just helps build confidence.

"For us to lift another trophy for the club, it was a proud moment, but t it also was a chance for us to be able to write new history at a club with so much history.

"It was also just nice to become world champions."

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That confidence has come at a perfect time for Foord, with Arsenal set to take on the table leaders, Manchester City, in their first match since winning the title.

The last time the Gunners took to the field against City, who are hopeful Foord's Australian teammate Mary Fowler could take the field, Arsenal suffered a 3-2 defeat.

A 13-point gap to the top of the table where City stand may seem unfavourable for anyone hunting down the title, with Man United and Chelsea in second and third.

But Foord pointed out that one day in the football world can bring an unexpected twist.

"We know there is a big gap, but we just need to focus on winning our games," she said.

"There are seven games left, if we can go seven for seven, you never know what can happen. Playing at the top clubs, there is automatic pressure.

"There's expectation from yourself, your teammates, fans, the club. Putting any extra pressure on yourself never goes well.

"Over the years there's no real gap between the top team and the bottom team. The league's so competitive you need to be at your best week in, week out to get results.

"We are confident off the back of the success we have had, and we are also coming up against confident Man City. With their wins over the last couple of weeks, I mean, over the whole season really, I think it is a great time for us to come head-to-head.

"As a team, we still have plenty to play for. Every (tournament) that is left is to play for. Our eyes are set on the league, of course. That will be our focus. It's going to be a great clash for spectators to watch. I'm very excited for the challenge."

While pressure has had little influence on Foord's mindset in the senior years of her successful career, she conceded it has taken her some time to learn to relax.

Unlike many young footballers now, Foord did not have the opportunity to idolise or look up to many women's footballers as a child due to the lack of exposure around the game.

Now, with the women's game attracting mass crowds at both club and international level, young footballers are able to look to the success of players like Foord.

Asked if there is one piece of advice she could pass on to the young players, Foord's response was simple.

"Enjoy it," she said.

"Growing up, I didn't really have what girls have now with female athletes.

"For me, I was just always determined to play sports no matter what it was. I just wanted to be the best. It probably didn't come until later in my career when I had someone say to me, 'Stop trying so hard, just relax and enjoy yourself on the field'.

"When you think about it, that's how you started off playing. You just did it because you enjoyed it and you had fun. So I think that's one thing I've passed on to younger players.

"You put pressure on yourself when you start trying too hard and things don't happen the way you want them to. To be able to just stay in every moment and enjoy it, (that would be my advice to the next generation)."

Once the final whistle is blown against City on Sunday evening (AEDT), Foord and her Gunners teammates will then shift their focus to the Champions League and FA Cup.

A chance to add up to three more titles to the trophy cabinet this season is appealing to Foord - and also one coach Renee Slegers would be elated to see unfold.

But Foord did not write that down as a goal that would define her success this year. Rather, she chooses not to define expectations for what the seasons should look like.

"I don't really put any individual goals on myself because I think it adds pressure," she explained.

"For me, it's always the team first. However we (win a title) and do that, it takes a whole squad to get there. That has always been my focus."

Stan Sport will stream Arsenal's clash against City live from 11pm AEDT on Sunday.