Arsenal Women cruised into the second round of Women's Champions League qualifying with a dominant victory over Rosenborg. Despite the modest scoreline, Arsenal controlled possession in London after taking an early lead through Frida Maanum. An error by visiting goalkeeper Rugile Rulyte, who fumbled a cross into the path of Maanum, opened the door for Arsenal - and they raced through it. England striker Alessia Russo's header bounced off the crossbar shortly afterwards, while Maanum, Mariona Caldentey and Caitlin Foord all went close in the first half.
Arsenal's Dominance and Missed Chances
Arsenal's wealth of chances continued after the break and they were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty when Leah Williamson appeared to be pushed by Selma Magnusdottir as she tried to connect with a corner. Russo hit the crossbar again with a strike from distance, and seconds later midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross followed suit. In the end, Arsenal were unable to add to their tally against the Norwegian side, days after thrashing Rangers 6-0, but progressed with ease and now wait to find out their next opponents.
A Glimpse of Arsenal's Potential
The draw for the second round of qualifying - when Manchester City enter the competition - is on Monday, 9 September at 12:00 BST. Jonas Eidevall’s side know they need to step up another level this season to compete with Women’s Super League (WSL) title rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, and are building promising foundations. The Gunners will avoid the seeded clubs in Monday's second-round qualifying draw, and have shown plenty to suggest they can cope with their next opponent in a tie over two legs.
A Compelling Contest Despite the Scoreline
Rosenborg, managed by Englishman Robin Shroot, upset the odds on Wednesday when they knocked out Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout. They showed they could cause problems and Arsenal vowed not to be complacent as a result, despite going into their second match of the week heavy favourites. Shroot was keen for his side to express themselves with attacking football, but also make it hard work for Arsenal to break them down.
A Well-Drilled Rosenborg Side
But The Gunners quickly imposed their authority and Rosenborg were not allowed to settle, rarely getting out of their own half until after the break when they found space. Summer signing Caldentey was once again busy and entertaining, Maanum a threat and Cooney-Cross dominated the midfield. It was still at the back of everyone’s minds though, that Arsenal were knocked out at this stage last season by Paris FC, and there were nervy moments late on as Rosenborg threw players forward, desperately trying to create an opening on the break. But Arsenal looked more composed and sharp this time, albeit against weaker opposition.
Key Player Performances
The match provided a platform for several Arsenal players to shine. Mariona Caldentey's creative play and defensive work stood out, while Kyra Cooney-Cross dominated midfield. Cooney-Cross's performance was particularly noteworthy, earning her praise from fans for her fluid passes and confidence. However, the Arsenal faithful were left questioning Jonas Eidevall's late substitutions, arguing that a more attacking approach was needed to break down the Rosenborg defense. The sentiment was echoed by many fans who felt that Kafaji should have been given a chance to inject some more attacking impetus.
The Road Ahead for Arsenal
With the victory, Arsenal secured their passage into the next round of Champions League qualifying. The draw for the second round will be held on September 9th, and Arsenal will be hoping for a favorable matchup. With a promising start to the season, the Gunners will be aiming to go one better than last season and secure a place in the Champions League group stage. The team's impressive performance against Rosenborg provides a solid foundation for the rest of the campaign, but the team will need to continue to improve and sharpen their attacking edge to compete at the highest level.
Arsenal Women's Next Challenge: The WSL
Arsenal Women kick off their 2024/25 Women's Super League campaign this month with a clash against last season's runners-up Manchester City. The game will be played on September 22nd at the Emirates Stadium, which will serve as the new main home for Arsenal Women this season. This match will be a crucial test for Arsenal Women, as they aim to challenge for the title.
Mariona Caldentey Speaks About the Win
Mariona Caldentey, the Player of the Match, expressed her satisfaction with the result, but acknowledged that Arsenal still have room for improvement. She stated: "It's always hard to play important games at this moment in the season when we are still not at our best, but I think the main goal was to make it to the next round, so we have to be happy for that. We still have a lot to improve on and a lot to work to do, but we will do it." Caldentey's creativity and hard work were key to Arsenal's victory, and she is excited about her time at the club: "I'm a dynamic player. I like to be involved with the team in the offensive game and in the defensive game. I hope I can assist and score a lot, but of course, I will work a lot as well. I am so happy to be here, I feel really welcome, I feel valued by everyone. I love that new song - I think it’s the new favorite for everyone. So I hope we can celebrate a lot together."
