FROM EMIRATES STADIUM – Arsenal put a difficult few days behind them to beat Valerenga 4-1 to record a crucial first win in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
The Gunners surprisingly separated from Jonas Eidevall on Tuesday after a slow start to the season and perhaps understandably not at their best under interim boss Renee Slegers.
But Arsenal still had more than enough in the tank to get the job done, with goals from Emily Fox, Caitlin Foord, Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo helping to put the sting out of a crushing opening-day defeat to Bayern from Munich in the rearview mirror. .
Attention will now turn to finding a permanent successor to Eidevall, who spent three years in charge after replacing current Lyon coach Joe Montemurro.
How the game developed
Arsenal were quick out of the blocks against their Norwegian rivals and took the lead within two minutes when USA international Emily Fox tapped home from close range.
Daphne van Domselaar, who started in goal in place of regular starter Manuela Zinsberger, made a superb save soon after to preserve Arsenal’s lead as Valerenga threatened to equalise, but any concerns the home support had it was reduced when Caitlin Foord doubled the lead just before. the half hour mark.
The Australian’s finish followed an effort from England winger Beth Mead, who was a positive influence throughout the game for Arsenal.
A mistake from Laia Codina allowed Olaug Tvedten to fire past Van Domselaar to reduce the arrears before the break, although the game surprisingly lacked creativity and excitement for much of the second half.
Arsenal’s relatively flat performance, however, went unpunished and Mariona Caldentey’s goal five minutes from time put the game beyond Valerenga. Alessia Russo’s fourth was the icing on the cake, overturning the three-goal deficit in Bayern’s disappointing defeat a week ago.
GK: Daphne Van Domselaar – 7/10 – The Netherlands international’s superb save kept Arsenal ahead before Caitlin Foord doubled the lead. He couldn’t do anything with a goal.
RB: Emily Fox – 8/10 – He covered a lot of ground as always and was a constant threat down the right. The first goal helped calm Arsenal’s nerves.
CB: Laia Codina – 6/10 – Pressed at times by Valerenga’s striker and will be disappointed by her role in the conceded goal.
CB: Leah Williamson (c) – 6/10 – A far from composed display from the Arsenal skipper, who has missed too many passes.
LB: Katie McCabe – 6/10 – He didn’t have the quality to penetrate Valerenga’s defence, but a decent outing nonetheless.
RM: Mariona Caldentey – 7/10 – Put the result beyond doubt with Arsenal’s third but lost possession too often.
CM: Kim Little – 6/10 – Not his best command in the heart of midfield, struggling to really advance the ball into threatened areas.
CM: Leah Walt – 7/10 – He showed strength and determination on the court, winning five of his eight duels on the floor.
LM: Caitlin Food – 8/10 – He made a series of smart runs and scored what turned out to be Arsenal’s winning goal. The best of the show.s.
ST: Beth Mead – 7/10 – He displayed positive body language throughout and was full of energy. Lack of quality in important areas.
ST: Alessia Russo – 7/10 – A more brilliant display from one of England’s Euro 2022 heroes, showing glimpses of his former form.
Substitutes
SUB: Steph Catley (61′ for McCabe) – 6/10
SUB: Frida Maanum (61′ for Mead) – 7/10
SUB: Stina Blackstenius (79′ for Foord) – 7/10
SUB: Lina Hurtig (79′ for Walti) – N/A
SUB: Katie Reid (79′ for Codina) – N/A
Subs not used: Manuela Zinsberger (GK), Naomi Williams (GK), Kyra Cooney-Cross, Kathrine Kuhl, Rosa Kafaji, Freya Godfrey, Vivienne Lia
manager
Renee Slegers – 7/10 – Considering the circumstances of the week, this was a decent enough result for Slegers and Arsenal although the performance level was below par.
