Arsenal are on a mission, according to captain Leah Williamson, after their 2-1 victory over Lyon in the first leg of the Women's Champions League semi-final at Emirates Stadium. The win, coupled with Manchester City's defeat by Brighton, has injected fresh momentum into the Gunners' season as they eye a place in the final and keep pressure on the WSL leaders.
Second-half surge turns tide
The 26,758-strong crowd witnessed a disjointed first half, where Arsenal conceded an early goal after Jule Brand was given space to open the scoring. But the side emerged transformed after the break, displaying intense pressure and relentless energy that overwhelmed Lyon.
Head coach Renee Slegers praised her team’s tactical adjustments at half-time, highlighting their increased aggression in the press. “That was what we did with conviction in the second half,” she said. The high press directly led to both goals, as Lyon’s usually composed backline crumbled under pressure.
Goals from chaos and conviction
Stina Blackstenius’ presence unsettled Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler, who fumbled Mariona Caldentey’s low free-kick into her own net. Seven minutes from time, Ingrid Engen lost a foot race to Olivia Smith, collided with Endler, and allowed Smith to tap into an empty net for her third Champions League goal this season.
Slegers dismissed suggestions of luck, stating: “The second goal is a good moment that we wanted to create. Sometimes you score the most brilliant goals – but you score all sort of goals in football.” The set-piece strategy, designed to exploit Lyon’s physicality, was a rehearsed plan, though Slegers offered little detail.
European champions in the making?
Former England defender Anita Asante described Arsenal’s second-half performance as “that of European champions”, noting they stifled Lyon’s attack and forced Van Domselaar into no saves. “They were really deserving of the win,” Asante said. “Slegers deserves a lot of credit. Other teams should be fearful of playing Arsenal.”
Domestic hopes reignited
With a one-goal advantage heading into the second leg in France, Arsenal also have WSL ambitions in sight. A win over Leicester City on Wednesday could leave them eight points behind City with four games remaining – and two in hand. “We want to keep on pressing Man City for as long as it is possible,” Slegers said.
Striker Alessia Russo acknowledged the fine margins in football: “Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don’t – it doesn’t matter how you score.” As Arsenal head into a decisive phase, their belief is growing. Another special season could be reaching its climax.