FROM EMIRATES STADIUM – Arsenal put a challenging few days behind them to beat Valerenga 4-1 and record a crucial first UEFA Champions League group stage win.
The Gunners stunningly parted ways with Jonas Eidevall on Tuesday following a slow start to the season and, perhaps understandably, were not at their fluent 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 pain of a crushing matchday one defeat to Bayern Munich in the rear-view mirror.
Attention will now switch to finding a permanent successor to Eidevall, who spent three years in charge after replacing now-Lyon head coach Joe Montemurro.
How the game unfolded
Arsenal came out of the blocks quickly against their Norwegian opposition and took the lead inside two minutes when United States international Emily Fox tapped home from close range.
Daphne van Domselaar, starting in goal in place of regular starter Manuela Zinsberger, made a superb save soon after to preserve Arsenal’s lead, as Valerenga threatened to draw level, but any worries the home support had were eased as Caitlin Foord doubled the lead just before the half-hour mark.
The Australian’s finish followed an effort of 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 half-time, though the game then surprisingly lacked creativity and excitement for much of the second half.
Arsenal’s relatively flat performance wasn’t punished though and Mariona Caldentey’s strike five minutes from time put the game beyond Valerenga. Alessia Russo’s fourth was the icing on the cake, cancelling out the three-goal margin from the disappointing Bayern defeat a week ago.
Arsenal player ratings (4-3-2-1)
GK: Daphne Van Domselaar – 7/10 – The Dutch international’s superb save maintained Arsenal’s lead before Caitlin Foord doubled the advantage. Could do nothing with a goal.
RB: Emily Fox – 8/10 – Covered plenty of ground as ever and was a constant threat down the right. Early goal helped settle any Arsenal nerves.
CB: Laia Codina – 6/10 – Put under pressure at times by Valerenga’s forward line and will be disappointed with her role in the goal conceded.
CB: Leah Williamson (c) – 6/10 – A far from composed display from Arsenal’s skipper, misplacing far too many passes.
LB: Katie McCabe – 6/10 – Didn’t have the required 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 far too often.
CM: Kim Little – 6/10 – Not at her commanding best in the heart of midfield, struggling to really advance the ball into threatening areas.
CM: Lia Walti – 7/10 – Showed plenty of grit and determination in the tackle, winning five of her eight ground duels.
LM: Caitlin Foord – 8/10 – Made a number of clever runs and scored what turned out to be Arsenal’s match winning goal. Best on show.s.
ST: Beth Mead – 7/10 – Displayed positive body language throughout and was full of energy. Missing quality in important areas.
ST: Alessia Russo – 7/10 – A brighter display from one of England’s Euro 2022 heroes, showing glimpses of her old 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
Unused subs: 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 outcome for Slegers and Arsenal despite the performance level being below par.
