Arsenal Women's star Vivianne Miedema sends heartwarming message to record-breaking crowd after making latest return from injury in Man Utd win

Miedema injured her ACL at the Emirates Stadium in a Champions League clash with Lyon which forced the Dutch superstar to miss the rest of the Gunners' season and the 2023 World Cup. Arsenal comfortably beat Manchester United 3-1 in front of a record-breaking sell-out crowd and, with the score at 3-0, Miedema was substituted on to raucous celebration.

Posting on her Instagram story, Miedema said: "First time being back on the pitch as the Emirates. Pretty decent game as well. Thank you for filling up the stadium, again. ❤️"

Vivianne Miedema Instagram

It has been a long road to recovery for Miedema who must have felt emotional making her return to the very same pitch where she was struck down by the crippling injury. The greatest-scoring WSL player in history will have felt bittersweet watching on from the sidelines as her team-mates played in front of record crowds over the past 12 months. Having returned to playing earlier this year, including scoring a spectacular goal against Liverpool, Miedema has had to wait for her chance to play at the Emirates. But, finally, Miedema was able to get her first taste of playing in a sold-out Emirates stadium and the recognition her recovery deserves.

Miedema will keep aiming to get more minutes in the tank as the road back to being at the top of her game continues. With the Gunners possessing one of the best attacking units in the world, she may have to be patient but it will surely only be a matter of time before Miedema is back among the goals and records.