Arsenal snatched a late 1-0 win over an unfortunate Juventus to safe protected passage to the Ladies’s Champions League knockout phases, and finish Juve’s possibilities of development.
The end result additionally ensures that every one three English sides – together with Chelsea and Manchester Metropolis – will characteristic within the quarter-finals of this yr’s competitors.
However this was removed from routine for Arsenal. Only a week in the past, the Gunners have been 4-0 victors over their Italian counterparts, vastly superior at each ends of the pitch, however every thing within the reverse fixture felt laboured and strained.
Caitlin Foord was denied from point-blank vary by a elegant save from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin – previously of Arsenal – however valuable little else labored, prompting the introduction of Stina Blackstenius, Beth Mead and Lina Hurtig to drive higher openings.
The latter instantly jumped at a pair of headed possibilities to interrupt the impasse, solely to plant each carelessly vast.
Solace arrived within the 89th minute, although, when Blackstenius’ cross escaped Martina Lenzini and landed neatly on the ft of Hurtig – who joined Arsenal from Juve in 2022 – an she tapped dwelling.
The winner, very like the efficiency, was scrappy however does assure Arsenal are assured of one of many two qualifying spots, progressing from Group C alongside Bayern Munich with two video games to spare.
What’s subsequent?
Arsenal is not going to be in motion till December 8 as they now depart for the worldwide break. Their first sport again will likely be towards Aston Villa on the Emirates Stadium.
