Beth Mead scored the first goal of Euro 2022 on Wednesday night as England secured a vital 1-0 victory over Austria, with four Gunners featuring on the opening night.
In front of 68,871 at Old Trafford - the highest-ever attendance for a Women's Euros match - captain Leah Williamson and Mead were handed starts by Sarina Wiegman, with Lotte Wubben-Moy and Nikita Parris named on the bench.
Our Lionesses were lining up alongside some familiar faces too, as Manuela Zinsberger and Laura Wienroither both started for Austria.
England could have easily allowed the occasion to get to them, but with a buzzing crowd right behind them, it took just 16 minutes for Mead to provide a moment of magic that we’ve seen so many times in an Arsenal shirt.
Following a dinked pass from Fran Kirby into the penalty area, Mead chested the ball down before lifting it over Zinsberger with a delicate finish, and after a lengthy VAR check - the first-ever at a women’s Euros - the goal was allowed to stand.
No England player has scored more goals under Wiegman than Mead to date, with her tally now up to 15 across all competitions.
England could have been two or three goals up before the break, but Zinsberger made a number of impressive saves, the best of which arriving against Lauren Hemp, as she rushed across her goal and tipped the ball over the bar from close range.
That was a rare moment for Hemp to find space in behind, and it was largely down to the England winger switching sides after struggling against Wienroither who continually came out on top in 1v1 scenarios.
The Austria full-back continued to deliver an outstanding defensive performance in the second half too, and was a strong contender for Player of the Match despite finishing the game on the losing side.
"I thought Laura was incredible tonight, she really played well against the likes of Lauren Hemp,” said Mead, speaking after the final whistle.
“I told her she had a great game and she needs to continue that through the tournament now.
“But scoring for England at the Euros? It's beyond words. What an amazing night. It's great to start the tournament with a win and I'm really happy to get a goal for my team.”
But what’s next for our Gunners at Euro 2022? Group A action will continue this evening as Frida Maanum’s Norway take on Northern Ireland at St Mary’s Stadium.
See below for a match gallery from Day 1, or for our comprehensive guide of the tournament read more here.
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