WHAT HAPPENED
We moved one step closer to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Wednesday night as we defeated HB Koge 3-0 at Meadow Park.
With a number of players unavailable, most notably Leah Williamson, Jonas Eidevall opted for five changes from Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur - and our rotated side looked sharp both in and out of possession.
Similarly to last week, Koge lined up in a defensive 5-4-1 formation, but it didn’t take us long to open the scoring, as Beth Mead broke free down the left wing and crossed for Caitlin Foord to convert at the near post.
We continued to dominate play for the remainder of the first half with Lia Walti and Kim Little seeing plenty of the ball, but the visitors maintained their shape and we went in at the break with a slender one-goal advantage.
The chances kept on coming following the restart too. After a number of misses, Vivianne Miedema was denied a clear goalscoring opportunity by an outstanding goalline intervention, before Jordan Nobbs fired wide from close range after being picked out by a fine Frida Maanum pass.
Late on it looked like we’d have to settle for a narrow victory, but with an inviting corner delivery from Mead, Lotte Wubben-Moy climbed high above her marker to double our advantage with a powerful header.
No other Arsenal player has provided more assists across all competitions this season than Mead (14).
Miedema looked sharp after being introduced on the hour-mark and with just two minutes remaining, the Netherlands international made it three, latching on to Steph Catley’s pass before finding the back of the net with a delicate left-footed finish.
WHAT IT MEANS
WHAT’S NEXT
With just one game remaining before the next international break, we must now prepare for a trip to Manchester United on Sunday, November 21.
The game will take place at the Leigh Sports Village with kick-off at 12.15pm (UK time).
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