Arsenal Women put on great show against Juventus
Juventus 0 - 4 Arsenal
Arsenal continued their impressive form under interim manager Renee Slegers, securing a victory over Juventus in the Women's Champions League.
Goals from Frida Maanum, Stina Blackstenius, Mariona Caldentey, and Caitlin Foord extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to five matches since Slegers stepped in following Jonas Eidevall’s resignation.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, as Juventus frequently challenged Arsenal’s defence and posed a threat on the counter-attack. However, the Gunners consistently looked the more likely side to score and were finally rewarded for their attacking determination just before half-time, when Maanum finished off a well-worked passing move from close range.
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Substitute Blackstenius doubled the lead with a brilliant solo effort, driving into the box after a pass from Caldentey and beating Pauline Peyraud-Magnin at her near post.
Spanish forward Caldentey then made it three, reacting quickly in the area to send her shot past the Juventus keeper, following good work from Lina Hurtig and Foord to keep the attack alive.
Arsenal’s scoring wasn’t finished there, as Australian international Foord capped off the victory by tapping in a delivery from Kyra Cooney-Cross.
The win keeps Arsenal in second place in Group C after three games, three points ahead of Juventus in third.
FT | Juventus 0-4 Arsenal
— Girls on the Ball (@GirlsontheBall) November 12, 2024
⚽️ Maanum
⚽️ Blackstenius
⚽️ Mariona
⚽️ Foord
Another confidence boosting win for Arsenal. 4 goals. Another 4 different scorers. Impact of the bench + a clean sheet. Slegers will be very pleased as they draw level on points with Bayern Munich (for now)… pic.twitter.com/RXL7vzIPwk
My analysis
Juventus started strong, applying early pressure and forcing Arsenal to work hard for a potential victory. The hosts compelled goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar to make a courageous save to stop Sofia Cantore from scoring.
However, Arsenal quickly found their rhythm and consistently challenged Juventus’ defense, especially through their energetic play on the wings. As a huge fan of the Manchester United Women's team, I dream of the day when our side can put on a display like that. I really hope we can qualify for next season's Champions League.
