Disappointed: Arsenal
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Arsenal narrowly missed out on a top four place in the Women’s Champions League despite a 3-0 victory over Belgian club OH Leuven at Den Dreef Stadium.
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Olivia Smith and Beth Mead were on target in the first half before an own goal from Saar Janssen wrapped up all three points with both clubs securing play-off places.
Smith fired Arsenal ahead in the 18th minute, escaping two defenders to unleash a shot that was well saved before driving home the rebound.
Leuven were struggling to deal with the pace of Arsenal's attacks and a second went in when Alessia Russo found Mead, who steered a curling shot home.
Smith produced a tame shot from the edge of the area as the chances began to dry up for the Gunners, who were now facing stiffer resistance from the Belgians.
Goalkeeper Lowiese Seynhaeve kept out a solid attempt by Smith, Arsenal's most dangerous player.
When Arsenal's third goal arrived in the 68th minute it came with a dose of luck after Caitlin Foord's cross was turned into her own net by Janssen.
Foord then tried her luck from long range and Janssen needed to intervene to stop Russo getting on the end of a cross.
Emboldened by the third goal, Arsenal were back in full control with Lina Maanum flashing just wide of the left post moments after stepping off the bench.
Leuven were bumped off in defence, allowing Katie McCabe to stride forward and take a shot that deflected just wide of the right post.
Arsenal were pushing hard for a fourth goal and continued to create chances with Foord the next to go close.