Over 1000 away fans saw Arsenal secure a 1-3 win over Vålerenga. The Gunners were in control throughout the whole match (except the last five minutes) but the Norwegian defence was a tough puzzle to solve. Once Slegers and her team scored the first two goals they became more relaxed, improving their game even more. The win brings Arsenal closer to the number one position in the group, but Bayern also secured three points tonight. Matchday 6 will decide who takes the top position. Find out how Arsenal secured their win in the Women’s Champions League.
Vålerenga unable to get away from Arsenal’s pressure
In the first minutes of the game Arsenal immediately took all the possession but Vålerenga’s defense was organized and did not leave much space for The Gunners to work with. The first opportunity for the visitors is for Katie Reid. The young player earned a place in the Starting IX as Slegers said she showed in training she was ready.
Zinsberger, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, created the first possibility for Vålerenga. Her goal kick was intercepted by a Vãlerenga forward. Even though she could not do anything with it as Zinsberger caught it again, it caused some uncertainty with the goalkeeper.
Important saves early in the game by Enblom
Arsenal turned up the heat very early in the game. Vålerenga’s goalkeeper, Enblom, timed it perfectly when she stopped Russo from delivering a dangerous pass to Blackstenius in the box. Enblom saved Cooney-Cross her shot on target moments later, but just after the referee whistled for a foul or hand ball from Blackstenius.
The loose passes in the opening 15 minutes, from both sides, are what’s leading to the chances so far. A pass from McCabe is picked up by Vålerenga and they sent Sævik away. She had five Arsenal players in front of her but managed to find a teammate. Arsenal eventually neutralized the threat, but it showed how quick the host is to capalize on any mistakes.
Impeccable shape: Russo opens the score
Arsenal took the lead 24 minutes in. Maanum found Alessia Russo with space on the left-hand side. Russo brought the ball to her right and launched it in the far corner.
After the goal Vålerenga pushed a little bit harder but it took Arsenal only a few minutes to regain control. The Gunners were not able to break the hosts defense yet again so most of the play was on the midfield for a while.
Foord assists Maanum for important second goal
The Gunners doubled their lead with Foord assisting Maanum in the box. Foord drove into the box down the right and found her teammate unmarked in the box. Maanum’s shot powered through Enblom’s legs.
Before half-time Arsenal came close to a third and even Vålerenga had some opportunities. The hosts first corner-kick was good, but the referee spotted a foul on an Arsenal player.
Arsenal continues good spell in second half
The second half start was much of the same: Arsenal with all the possession and looking for a way to crack the Norwegian defence. Vålerenga makes it hard for Arsenal but the 0-3 is inevitable.
The attack started with Cailtin Foord’s brilliant run down the right side, Foord passed to Maanum who gave her the ball straight back. This time the Australian international had more space to calculate her cross. It was delivered perfectly to Russo, who scored her second of the night (0-3).
Vålerenga fights their way back too late
Vålerenga had their first major opportunity far in the second half but Zinsberger was right where she needed to be. Sævik made her run through the Arsenal defence and was not stopped until she reached the penalty spot. The block deflected the ball and was picked up by Stølen Godø, whose shot was blocked by Zinsberger.
The home team scored the 1-3 right after their first big chance. Thomsen’s cross was deflected by Codina and it landed perfectly for the unmarked Lindwall. She put it in the back of net, unstoppable for Zinsberger. Lindwall tried for the 2-3 minutes later but her shot went wide. It turned into a very interesting game in the last 5 minutes.
Vålerenga was not able to score more goals but they put up one hell of a fight in the final moments of the second half.