Lina Hurtig: ‘It’s been a long journey’ as Arsenal return to form | OneFootball

Arsenal revived their Women’s Super League campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, marked by a clinical attacking display.

Goals from Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord, Frida Maanum, Lina Hurtig, and Alessia Russo showed the Gunners’ rediscovered sharpness in front of goal as they dismantled a Brighton side that had looked confident following strong early-season performances under new coach Dario Vidošic.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 08: Alessia Russo of Arsenal celebrates scoring her team’s fifth goal with teammate Leah Williamson during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on November 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

Frida Maanum‘s powerful strike stood out, but the coordinated team build-up leading to the other goals highlighted Arsenal’s potential to sustain this momentum with the talent they have available.

If consistency becomes the norm, Arsenal could yet challenge Manchester City and Chelsea, while also putting themselves in strong contention for the third Champions League spot.

Arsenal’s interim head coach Renée Slegers emphasised that Arsenal’s turnaround reflected a long-built foundation, with their previous wastefulness finally giving way to ruthless execution.

Hurtig scores on her long-awaited return

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 08: Lina Hurtig of Arsenal celebrates scoring her team’s fourth goal with teammates during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on November 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

Within four minutes of Lina Hurtig entering the game to loud cheers from the home crowd, she found the net for the first time in 362 days, a moment that clearly held deep significance for the Swedish international.

“I can say it’s been a long journey,” she told Sportbladet after her late goal helped seal Arsenal’s emphatic win.

The injury-hit forward’s relief was palpable as she explained her struggle: “There were months without either training or playing football. It’s been very hard work, and it still is. I’m not there yet, but I’m working every day to make progress.”

Will Hurtig be awarded the goal?

Hurtig’s goal was deflected by Brighton’s Maisie Symonds, and though it may be contested whether the final touch was hers or Symonds’, Hurtig remained cautiously optimistic: “I got a touch, and then I think the goalkeeper saved it initially. After that, it went in. I haven’t seen the replay yet, so I don’t know for sure.”

If confirmed, it will be her first goal in 362-days, a wait that Hurtig admitted had not been easy.

For interim boss Renée Slegers, the result was yet another boost, keeping her unbeaten since taking over after Jonas Eidevall’s departure. With Nick Cushing determined to remain at New York City FC, the pathway for Slegers to secure the permanent role appears clearer.