UWCL: Three things we learnt as Arsenal see off Bayern to top Group C | OneFootball

In an incredibly rare night under the lights in the Women’s Champions League at Meadow Park, Arsenal fought to the end to see off Bayern Munich 3-2. Goals from Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey, along with an own goal from Glódís Viggósdóttir were enough to cancel out a Magdalena Eriksson double to see Arsenal top the group.

Here are three things we learnt from the game on a cold and wet night in Borehamwood.

Arsenal hit it over the top

It was clear from the get go that Arsenal were going to use the passing range of Leah Williamson to outdo the strong Bayern München midfield. From the start, Arsenal looked to overhaul their usual style of playing through the thirds, and have the English centre-back send them over the top to Stina Blackstenius.

That isn’t to say Arsenal didn’t play in their usual style and way. They did and had some success in the first half with it through Kim Little and Kyra Cooney-Cross. The long ball success rates were probably not what Arsenal wanted. However, there was a clear intent to oversee the likes of Georgia Stanway by sending over long.

Eriksson for two

In a night of set piece goals, Eriksson returned to haunt her old foes. The centre-back scored Bayern’s two goals to take the game to Arsenal. The first may have been a tap in from a glorious Georgia Stanway header, but Eriksson’s fight to do what was needed in a tight penalty box showed her edge. The second, a beautiful header to finish an exceptional pass from Giulia Gwinn outside the box.

Eriksson’s two goals prove it is not just Bayern’s attackers that can score. The forwards were stumped by the Arsenal backline and Daphne van Domseelar. Eriksson stepped up instead, and show her talents are across the pitch. (It’s slightly ironic her last goal in England came against Arsenal from a set piece too).

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The Slegers Mentality

The question of whether Renee Slegers will get the Arsenal job full-time is still hanging about. However, there has been a clear shift in mentality in this Arsenal side. The win marks 10 out of 11 under the Dutch interim manager. The Russo goal came just a minute after Eriksson pulled Bayern ahead on the opposite end of the pitch.

It’s not necessarily something that wouldn’t be seen in Arsenal’s of past. But, the ability and hunger to capitalise on chances and do what is needed when it comes helped the side get the win. Russo’s sixth goal in five games put Arsenal back level and allowed for the side to go on and win it.

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Arsenal topped the group, avoiding the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais in the knock-out round. They could face Manchester City, VfL Wolfsburg or Real Madrid though, Bayern Munich have the fate of facing three of the top teams in the world to try and get through to the semi finals.

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