Williamson in 'good place' after 'heavy' criticism

Arsenal and England defender Leah Williamson says she is "in a good place" after social media criticism that has been "a bit heavy" at times this season.

The 27-year-old, who only returned from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January, was under scrutiny after struggling for form at the start of the campaign.

The Gunners have fallen seven points behind Women's Super League leaders Manchester City in a campaign where boss Jonas Eidevall resigned after four games.

Williamson played in England's friendlies against Germany and South Africa in October and scored a brilliant goal in the latter, but also made an error that led to a goal in both games.

Despite the criticism, Williamson told BBC Sport she is feeling positive.

"I feel like for the first time I am in a place where I feel like a real footballer again. I can train every day, I can train at the weekend," she said.

"I've not had the best luck in the world and that's OK, that's life. It's the first time I'm in a good place. I love football, I love going to training, I love playing.

"If I listened to what everyone said, I wouldn't enjoy it."

'You have to have criticism'

Leah Williamson made her 150th WSL appearance against Tottenham on Saturday

Williamson captained England to the Euro 2022 title but missed the 2023 World Cup with an ACL injury.

She said she has learned to "block out" the negativity on social media and has a close circle to turn to when needed.

"I listen to the people that matter in terms of my managers, my teammates and I have a select few people that I know I can turn to for honesty.

"You have to have criticism. I need feedback and I need the conversation to be progressive. It needs to be from people that know and people that I trust and understand the path I am trying to go on.

"Opinions are opinions and it is totally fine that they are out there, but it is not something I can engage with."

Williamson still has accounts on social media and doesn't plan on deleting them.

While she uses the platforms for interacting with her friends and teammates, she said sometimes the unpleasant comments are hard to avoid.

"It is hard to find a balance sometimes and it does get a bit heavy," she said.

"People care about you, so when they reach out to you and want to check you are OK, we are like 'we don't know what is going on' and I’m like 'how bad is it?'. Then the human nature bit comes in, which is hard.

"I have the right people around me to tell me I am being me. Nobody has told me I have changed."

'Everything looks rosy at the minute'

Arsenal have won all three Women's Champions League group games this season, with Williamson featuring in every game

It is not just Williamson and her teammates that have been criticised this season, as former boss Eidevall came under fire before his departure.

'JONAS OUT' was graffitied on a brick wall opposite Emirates Stadium before the Gunners' 2-1 defeat by Chelsea and Eidevall's last game in charge.

The 41-year-old resigned after three years at the helm, leaving with just one win their opening four WSL games.

"It's difficult. We are all human beings and those fans don't know the person that he is," Williamson said.

"It's sad when you see someone getting attacked and you know that they are a great person. But we know how it goes and it has been the same in the men's game for so many years. It's unforgiving and we all know that when we sign up to it. Not that it makes it right, but it's part and parcel of the game."

Williamson and Arsenal seemed to have turned a corner under interim boss Renee Slegers.

The Gunners appear to have transitioned seamlessly to the Dutchwoman's guidance, winning four and drawing one of her five games in charge.

"I'm trying to understand it myself ," Williamson said. "We are probably under the highest pressure because we haven't started how we needed to, so every game is a must-win game. Yet it feels very calm.

"Renee knows us all. She has connected with everyone individually. We got into a bit of a rut with low confidence and she has just stripped it back and wants the best out of every player. It's working.

"Ultimately we go out every week to be better than the week before. We are doing great and everything looks rosy at the minute. We have had great results and we are working really hard."