Arsenal snatched a late 1-0 win over an unlucky Juventus to secure safe passage to the Women’s Champions League knockout phases, and end Juve’s chances of progression.
The result also guarantees that all three English sides – including Chelsea and Manchester City – will feature in the quarter-finals of this year’s competition.
But this was far from routine for Arsenal. Just a week ago, the Gunners were 4-0 victors over their Italian counterparts, vastly superior at both ends of the pitch, but everything in the reverse fixture felt laboured and strained.
Caitlin Foord was denied from point-blank range by a sublime save from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin – formerly of Arsenal – but precious little else worked, prompting the introduction of Stina Blackstenius, Beth Mead and Lina Hurtig to force better openings.
The latter immediately had a pair of headed chances to break the deadlock, only to plant both carelessly wide. Solace arrived in the 89th minute, though, when Blackstenius’ cross escaped Martina Lenzini and landed neatly at the feet of Hurtig to tap home.
The winner, much like the performance, was scrappy but it does guarantee Arsenal’s place in the final eight, progressing from Group C alongside Bayern Munich with two games to spare.
What’s next?
Arsenal will not be in action until December 8 as they now depart for the international break. Their first game back will be against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.
