Arsenal secured a 4-0 victory over BK Hacken at Meadow Park to ebook a gaggle stage spot within the UEFA Girls’s Champions League.
The Gunners actually shut down any questions on their capability to carry out beneath strain as regardless of beginning the sport 1-0 down on combination after dropping the away leg, they placed on an impressively assured efficiency.
We had been handled to a long-shot strike from Lia Walti, adopted by a aim from Mariona Caldentey taking the rating to 2-0 on the finish of the primary half. It solely took a couple of minutes after the restart for Arsenal to make it 3-0, due to an attractive low-volley from Beth Mead within the penalty space. The rating completed 4-0 with Frida Maanum grabbing the final aim on 78 minutes.
Head coach Jonas Eidevall made three adjustments to the workforce he performed in opposition to Manchester Metropolis on the weekend, bringing in Alessia Russo upfront with Stina Blackstenius, and placing Mead out on the wing rather than Caitlin Foord.
How the sport unfolded
You could possibly actually really feel the strain within the air as the primary whistle of the sport was blown beneath the lights at Meadow Park. As if Arsenal didn’t have a tough sufficient job on their palms beginning 1-0 down on combination, the pouring rain actually made issues even trickier.Â
Nevertheless, the north Londoners began sturdy and dominant, with Caldentey making the most important impression down on the left-hand aspect. It was clear from the outset that Arsenal weren’t taking place with no battle and it wasn’t lengthy till that they had one thing to have fun. An influence shot from Walti hit the again of the web within the twenty third minute, stunning herself in addition to Hacken goalkeeper Jennifer Falk.
Their second got here quickly after with Caldentey lastly catching some luck. Hacken remained on the again foot for the remainder of the half, with a close to miss from Russo who didn’t execute the end when she had the prospect in opposition to Falk.
Though there have been a handful of moments Arsenal’s Emily Fox, Laia Codina and Katie McCabe bought caught quick on Hacken’s press, the guests did not convert their probabilities.
Because the second half bought underway, Mead took the rating to 3-0 after only a few minutes with a low volley by the penalty space. It was from this second that the Gunners may breathe a assured sigh of reduction as their Champions League group stage spot was virtually within the palm of their hand.
They continued to play some glorious soccer, with Russo, Blackstenius and Mead working effectively in tandem with each other upfront. Substitute Maanum sealed the deal within the 78th minute, ending the sport in a 4-0 victory.
It wasn’t excellent, however the Gunners actually have rather a lot to be pleased with from their efficiency, proving they most actually have what it takes to be actual contenders within the Champions League this yr.
GK: Manuela Zinsberger – 8/10 – As at all times, a protected pair of palms who fended off any uncommon moments of menace.
RB: Emily Fox – 6/10 – Just a few sloppy passes right here and there, however labored effectively with Mead on the best.
CB: Lotte Wubben-Moy – 8/10 – Glorious at each ends of the pitch. Defended effectively and created probabilities.
CB: Laia Codina – 6/10 – Additionally misplaced possession just a few occasions in harmful spots, however in any other case a strong efficiency.
LB: Katie McCabe – 7/10 – Was overwhelmed just a few occasions by Hacken’s Tabitha Tindell, leaving her on the again foot. In any other case effective.
RM: Beth Mead – 9/10 – Rightfully earned her spot again within the squad. Acquired a aim and remained threatening all through.
CM: Kim Little – 8/10 – As at all times, appeared in management within the midfield battle.
CM: Lia Walti – 9/10 – Nice to see her again in pink. Scored an absolute worldie for her troubles.
LM: Mariona Caldentey – 9/10 – Impressed from the outset with runs down the wing and finally bought a aim which was totally deserved..
ST: Stina Blackstenius – 8/10 – Labored effectively in tandem with Russo, producing probabilities.
ST: Alessia Russo – 7/10 – A strong addition within the lineup, however did fail to transform just a few sturdy probabilities on aim.
Substitutes
SUB: Caitlin Foord (65′ for Foord) – 6/10
SUB: Frida Maanum (76′ for Russo) – 9/10
SUB: Kyra Cooney-Cross (76′ for Walti) -7/10
SUB: Laura Wienroither (90′ for Fox) – N/A
SUB: Rosa Kafaji (90′ for Caldentey) – N/A
Unused subs: Van Domselaar, Williams, Reid, Kuhl, Harbert, Godfrey, Lia
Supervisor
Jonas Eidevall – 8/10 – Arsenal got here out preventing from the primary whistle regardless of an enormous quantity of strain.
