Arsenal snatched a late 1-0 win over an unfortunate Juventus to safe secure passage to the Ladies’s Champions League knockout phases, and finish Juve’s possibilities of development.
The outcome additionally ensures that each one three English sides – together with Chelsea and Manchester Metropolis – will function 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 had been 4-0 victors over their Italian counterparts, vastly superior at each ends of the pitch, however the whole lot within the reverse fixture felt laboured and strained.
Caitlin Foord was denied from point-blank vary by a chic 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 had a pair of headed probabilities to interrupt the impasse, solely to plant each carelessly extensive. Solace arrived within the 89th minute, although, when Blackstenius’ cross escaped Martina Lenzini and landed neatly on the ft of Hurtig to faucet house.
The winner, very similar to the efficiency, was scrappy but it surely does assure Arsenal’s place within the closing eight, 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 recreation again will probably be in opposition to Aston Villa on the Emirates Stadium.
