UWCL: Caitlin Foord shines as Arsenal return with fiery Rangers win | OneFootball

A stunning victory over Rangers saw Arsenal mark the perfect start to their season at Meadow Park. The first round home qualifier set the stage for the return of UEFA Women’s Champions League football as Arsenal faced ex-Gunner Jo Potter’s Rangers side.

With the Scots in shooting form, it was a tasty challenge for the Gunners to see in the new season.

Starting XIs

Arsenal

Zinsberger; Fox, Codina, Williamson, Mariona, Little (c), McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Russo, Cooney-Cross

Rangers

Esson; Docherty (c), Eddie, Hill, Rafferty, Hay, Howat, Hardy, Arnot, McLoughlin, Wilkinson

How it went

Arsenal started strongly, building well down the right side. Rangers however, were quick to respond and resilient in their defence. While the play began hard and fast for Arsenal, the notable action was limited. The highlight of the first ten minutes arguably came from the referee dropping her cards in the box. Minutes later, a pass from Mariona Caldentey across the box saw Caitlin Foord knock it home, just past the gloves of the Rangers’ goalkeeper to put the hosts ahead in the 16th minute.

Arsenal’s pre-season friendlies were paying off, with clear partnerships and movements working across both wings. While play was fast from the dominant Gunners, there were still cries for faster play from players. There was a clear desire to break down Rangers’ resilient defence. In attack, both Mariona and Emily Fox pulled into midfield to increase their presence there.

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Four for Caitlin Foord

The second half started where the first left off. Arsenal were dominant in possession but Rangers were hot on their heels. Rangers’ tight marking of Arsenal’s midfield did little to deter the home side. Kim Little’s shot produced a narrow miss in the 52nd minute. A tackle in midfield saw Alessia Russo pass to Foord as the Australian bagged her brace.

A second later and Arsenal were firing again. Russo turned from provider to scorer, with Foord delivering the assist. A neat slipped ball through from the Australian to Russo put Arsenal three goals ahead.

Foord looked confident as she snatched her hat trick. A neat and strong volley across the face of goal summed up the No.19’s evening. A rough and ready Rangers gave away a late, unnecessary penalty in the 86th minute. Captain Little stepped up to the spot and slotted it home with ease to put the hosts five up.

Foord wrapped up a stunning evening with her fourth goal in the final moments of the 90. The forward had enjoyed a show-stopping first game of the competitive season, assuring her side a convincing win.

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Stand out players

The standout performances of the first half came from Kyra Cooney-Cross and Laia Codina. Last summer’s signings looked fresh and homely at Meadow Park. Both were putting in key defensive blocks, as well as progressing play forwards. Returning from the Olympics in Paris, they were the beating heart of Arsenal’s first half.

In her competitive debut, Mariona proved what an excellent signing she is. Slotting in and around the front line until her substitution, the Ballon d’Or nominee brought Arsenal up to her speed. While she didn’t get her goal, she was crucial for the home side.

With Foord, Little, and Russo on the scoresheet, Arsenal returned in style. A slightly chilly night at Meadow Park brought a strong performance for the Gunners as they turn to face Rosenborg on September 7th, following their dramatic penalty shootout win over Atlético Madrid.

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