It was a disappointing night in Sweden as we fell to a defeat against BK Hacken in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
A spot in the group stage is still all to play for with a one-goal deficit to overturn in next week’s home leg at Meadow Park.
What happened
Jonas Eidevall made three changes to the side that beat Rosenborg in the previous round of qualifying, with Lotte Wubben-Moy, Beth Mead and Rosa Kafaji stepping into the starting XI. This marked Kafaji’s first competitive start and against her former club, no less.
A frantic opening to the match saw both sides battle for control, with Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey combining well for some early chances.
As was the case against Rosenborg, creativity in front of goal was never in short supply but clinical finishing eluded us. Kafaji had a great chance to break the deadlock around the half-hour mark, bursting into the box and looking to curl her shot around the keeper. However, our midfielder was cruelly denied by the crossbar.
At the other end of the pitch, there were early warning signs. The hosts sent a number of experimental crosses over the top with pacy forwards in pursuit, but our backline was rescued by the offside flag.
With the scoreline 0-0 at half-time, Eidevall decided to switch in Frida Maanum for Kafaji for another option in attack.
Maanum got to work, linking up with Mariona in a move that forced Hacken into giving away an indirect free-kick early in the second half. The resultant attempt on target was scrambled away from danger.
In their most promising breakaway of the match, Clarissa Larisey rounded Zinsberger but only managed to hit the side netting.
Caitlin Foord, Stina Blackstenius and Laura Wienroither then entered the fray as we sought to break down the Swedish side. It would be the hosts, however, who would find the all-important strike.
Another ball over the top gifted Tabitha Tindell a great chance on goal and this time, Hacken didn’t miss.
With the home crowd galvanised, our Gunners had an uphill battle on their hands in the pursuit of an equaliser.
Maanum had two opportunities to bring us level late on but she was denied by both the crossbar and the opposition keeper.
What it means
We'll host Hacken at Meadow Park next Thursday for the deciding leg. Tickets are still available.
Before then, we kick off our WSL campaign with a massive clash against Manchester City. Book your place at Emirates Stadium this Sunday.
Teams
Starting XI: Zinsberger, Fox (Wienroither, 70), Wubben-Moy (Williamson, 78) Codina, Mariona, Mead (Foord, 70), Little (C), McCabe, Kafaji (Maanum, 46), Russo (Blackstenius, 70), Cooney-Cross
Subs: Van Domselaar, Williams, Walti, Kuhl, Godfrey, Harbert, Reid
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