Arsenal snatched a late 1-0 win over an unfortunate Juventus to safe protected passage to the Girls’s Champions League knockout phases, and finish Juve’s possibilities of development.
The end result additionally ensures that every one three English sides – together with Chelsea and Manchester Metropolis – will characteristic within the quarter-finals of this 12 months’s competitors.
However this was removed from routine for Arsenal. Only a week in the past, the Gunners have been 4-0 victors over their Italian counterparts, vastly superior at each ends of the pitch, however every little thing 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 treasured little else labored, prompting the introduction of Stina Blackstenius, Beth Mead and Lina Hurtig to drive higher openings.
Lina Hurtig celebrates her 89th-minute winner
The latter instantly jumped at 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 – who joined Arsenal from Juve in 2022 – an she tapped residence.
The winner, very similar to the efficiency, was scrappy however does assure Arsenal are assured of one of many two qualifying spots, progressing from Group C alongside Bayern Munich with two video games to spare.
What’s subsequent?
Arsenal won’t be in motion till December 8 as they now depart for the worldwide break. Their first recreation again might be in opposition to Aston Villa on the Emirates Stadium.
