The Independent
·21 November 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe Independent
·21 November 2024
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Slegers defends Arsenal's attitude to women's game despite venue change
Arsenal secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Juventues at the Emirates Stadium.
In a match low on chances and quality Lina Hurtig was the decisive factor for the Gunners coming off the bench in the second half to score a late winner that put her side clear of their opponents in Group C.
Juventus had set up with a low block to nullify Arsenal’s threatening forward line and were successful for most of the game. The Gunners were forced into crosses from wide that had no effect in breaking down the Italian team.
Renee Slegers switched things up at half time and Arsenal came out determined to make more runs itno the box. Stina Blackstenius, another substitute, collected the ball with one such run and picked out Hurtig who tapped in the winner.
Renee Slegers allowed herself a moment to pump her firsts on the touchline. Arsenal left it late but the job was complete. After near-dominance of the game against Juventus, substitute Lina Hurtig’s 89th-minute winner secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with two games to spare. It’s been quite the recovery for a side thrashed 5-2 by Bayern Munich on the opening night of the competition and who looked in disarray under Jonas Eidevall. “It’s surreal,” Slegers said, the interim who has turned the season around.
After leading a resurgent Arsenal around the Emirates at the end of this 1-0 win, Leah Williamson remained deep in conversation with Slegers, remonstrating with her hands to suggest her team could have played quicker against the Italian’s packed defence. Clearly, there is more work to do. But Slegers has now overseen all three group wins since taking interim charge, as part of an unbeaten seven-game block following Eidevall’s resignation two months ago. Arsenal will be in the Champions League come March. Slegers, who was part of Eidevall’s coaching staff, described it as the “perfect end” to the seven games she was given.
Arsenal 1-0 Juventus: Renee Slegers continued her unbeaten spell in charge as the Gunners qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals
Mike Jones21 November 2024 22:53
Chelsea secured their passage into the next round last night and today they’ve been joined by Manchester City and Arsenal.
City got through after a 2-1 win over Hammarby in the early kick off before Lina Hurtig’s heroics earned the Gunners all three points at the Emirates.
Mike Jones21 November 2024 22:18
“Arsenal are circled up. All players all staff in a really tight huddle having a reflection moment. You can just see how together they are.
“I know a huddle isn’t to identify that, every team does it but you can just see that’s a big win for them.”
Mike Jones21 November 2024 22:05
90+4 mins: The whistle goes for full-time. Arsenal were made to work for it but they’ve got the job done with a slim win against Juventus.
The Gunnners are through to the next round.
Mike Jones21 November 2024 21:53
90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play.
Mike Jones21 November 2024 21:48
89 mins: Surely that’s the winner!
Stina Blackstenius is played into the penalty area and spins wonderfully before slipping the ball into the six-yard box. Martina Lenzini is there to clear the ball but takes too long and Lina Hurtig is onto her.
The substitute nicks the ball and pokes it home to open the scoring late in this game!
Mike Jones21 November 2024 21:47
84 mins: Oh my days.
That was the moment. Kim Little makes a fine run into the penalty area and collects a threaded pass. She lifts a cross into the middle where Lina Hurtig has an open goal.
She gets a head on the ball but can’t keep it down and her effort sails over the bar.
Mike Jones21 November 2024 21:41
81 mins: Into the last 10 minutes now and still no goals. Juventus will be pleased with a point. Arsenal won’t be too disappointed but they’ll know a chance to get through the group has been missed if they don’t win here.
Lina Hurtig almost makes an immediate impact as Arsenal’s most recent substitute. She meets a cross on the left side of the box and heads a shot into the side netting.
Mike Jones21 November 2024 21:38
78 mins: Save! Daphne van Domselaar steps up at a crucial time for Arsenal. Arianna Caruso gets clear inside the penalty area and receives the ball.
She shoots and aims for the bottom right corner but the Arsenal keeper leaps to her left and tips it wide of the post.
Mike Jones21 November 2024 21:33