In a thrilling conclusion to the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stages, Arsenal’s women’s team secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Juventus, propelling them into the knockout rounds. The match was full of high tension, emotions, and a crucial late goal from Lina Hurtig, who not only saved the Gunners but also dealt a blow to her former club by sending them out of the competition. The striker’s performance on the night was exemplary, but it was just one piece of a collective effort by Arsenal that ensured their progress to the next stage.
The victory came after a rollercoaster of a match, with both teams fighting for their place in the next round of the prestigious tournament. Juventus, who were looking to continue their strong Champions League campaign, were left heartbroken as Hurtig’s strike dashed their hopes of advancement. For Arsenal, the result was a well-deserved reward for their resilience and tactical awareness, particularly after a tense final 10 minutes when the game could have gone either way.
This article will break down the performances of each Arsenal player in detail, assessing their contributions to the dramatic 2-1 win. From goalkeepers to forwards, every player played a crucial role in the victory that secured the Gunners’ progression.
Manuela Zinsberger (Goalkeeper) – 8/10
Manuela Zinsberger was instrumental in keeping Arsenal in the game, particularly in the first half when Juventus put them under significant pressure. The Austrian international made several key saves, including a point-blank stop from a powerful header that could have easily been a goal. Her command of the penalty area was solid, and her distribution was efficient, as she helped Arsenal move the ball forward under heavy pressure.
Zinsberger’s leadership from the back was evident, as she continually marshaled her defense and provided reassurance when Juventus were pushing hard for an equalizer. Her overall performance was crucial in helping Arsenal hold onto their narrow lead before Hurtig’s decisive goal sealed the victory.
Katie McCabe (Left-back) – 7.5/10
Katie McCabe was a constant threat down the left flank, providing width and support for the Arsenal attack. She was involved in several key League campaign build-ups, with her crossing ability always a danger for Juventus. Defensively, McCabe had her hands full with Juventus’ right winger, but she held her ground and made some important clearances when required.
Her energy and drive down the left-hand side were vital in stretching Juventus and creating space for Arsenal’s attacking players. Although she wasn’t involved directly in any goals, McCabe’s tireless work ethic and defensive reliability ensured that Arsenal remained compact and organized throughout the match.
Leah Williamson (Centre-back) – 8/10
Leah Williamson’s leadership at the back was crucial for Arsenal, especially as Juventus mounted waves of pressure. The England international’s composure under pressure and intelligent positioning allowed her to block several dangerous attacks. She was key in organizing the defense and ensuring that Juventus’ attacking players, including the dangerous Cristiana Girelli, were kept at bay.
Williamson’s ability to read the game and step in to intercept passes helped Arsenal regain possession and push forward when needed. Her defensive partnership with Rafaelle was solid, and together, they formed a formidable barrier that Juventus struggled to break down for most of the game.
Rafaelle (Centre-back) – 7/10
Rafaelle provided a strong and steady presence alongside Williamson in the heart of Arsenal’s defense. The Brazilian defender was disciplined and rarely caught out of position, ensuring that Juventus’ attacks were met with resistance. Rafaelle won several important duels in the air and made crucial tackles when Juventus threatened to break through.
While her distribution wasn’t as sharp as some of her teammates, Rafaelle’s defensive contributions were solid, and she played a key role in maintaining Arsenal’s shape throughout the game. The partnership between Rafaelle and Williamson is becoming one of the strongest in European football, and their resilience was evident in this match.
Laura Wienroither (Right-back) – 6.5/10
Laura Wienroither had a mixed performance on the right-hand side. While she contributed to Arsenal’s attacking play with some forward runs, she struggled at times with Juventus’ high press, which occasionally left her exposed defensively. However, Wienroither made several important interventions in the second half, helping Arsenal regain possession and transition quickly from defense to attack.
Although her attacking contributions weren’t as prominent as McCabe’s on the opposite flank, Wienroither’s work rate and defensive tenacity ensured that Juventus didn’t find too much joy down Arsenal’s right side.
Kim Little (Midfield) – 9/10
Kim Little was a driving force in Arsenal’s midfield, dictating the tempo of the game and linking up play effectively between defense and attack. Her vision and passing range were on full display as she frequently played incisive balls to set up Arsenal’s attacking moves. Little’s leadership and experience shone through, especially in the latter stages when Juventus were pushing for an equalizer.
Her defensive contributions were also noteworthy, as she tracked back to help her teammates and break up Juventus’ attacks. Little’s ability to control the game and remain composed under pressure was key to Arsenal’s success in this tight encounter.
Frida Maanum (Midfield) – 7.5/10
Frida Maanum played a crucial role in Arsenal’s midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively. The Norwegian international was tireless in her work rate, making vital interceptions and tackling Juventus players when necessary. She provided excellent support for both Kim Little and the attacking players, constantly looking to advance the ball forward.
While Maanum didn’t score or register an assist, her all-around performance was invaluable in helping Arsenal maintain control in the midfield. She kept the engine running for the team, ensuring that the Gunners were able to cope with Juventus’ pressure and transition effectively.
Caitlin Foord (Winger) – 7/10
Caitlin Foord was a constant outlet for Arsenal on the left wing, providing pace and directness in attack. She tested Juventus’ defense with her dribbling and runs in behind, creating space for her teammates to exploit. However, Foord’s final product wasn’t as sharp as usual, with her crosses and shots often lacking the accuracy needed to truly trouble the Juventus goalkeeper.
Despite this, Foord’s work rate and willingness to track back to help defend were key elements of her performance. She was always an option for the midfielders and attackers, and her ability to stretch the Juventus defense helped create openings for Arsenal’s other players.
Beth Mead (Winger) – 7.5/10
Beth Mead was a threat in attack throughout the match, using her pace and creativity to unsettle the Juventus defense. Mead’s link-up play with her teammates was fluid, and she was involved in several dangerous moves, creating opportunities for both herself and others. She tested the goalkeeper with a few long-range shots, and her delivery into the box was consistently dangerous.
While Mead didn’t get on the scoresheet, her contribution to Arsenal’s attacking play was vital. She made clever runs in behind and often forced Juventus defenders to track her, creating space for others to exploit.
Vivianne Miedema (Striker) – 6/10
Vivianne Miedema’s performance wasn’t as influential as in other matches, but she still contributed to Arsenal’s attack in a subtle way. The Dutch forward’s movement was intelligent, but she found it difficult to break down Juventus’ defense in the final third. Miedema was often isolated, but she showed great composure when she did get the ball, attempting to link up with her teammates and create space.
Her passing and link-up play with Hurtig and the midfield were positive, but Miedema will know that she can have a greater impact in future games. Despite not scoring, her presence was still felt on the pitch.
Lina Hurtig (Striker) – 9/10
Lina Hurtig was the hero of the night for Arsenal, and her late goal sealed the win and their progression to the knockout stages. The Swedish striker showed great composure in the box, finding space and finishing with precision when the game was on the line. Her goal not only sent Arsenal into the next round but also eliminated her former team, Juventus, which added an extra layer of drama to the occasion.
Hurtig’s overall performance was strong, as she worked tirelessly in the attack, making intelligent runs and linking up with Miedema and the midfield. Her defensive work rate also shouldn’t go unnoticed, as she pressed Juventus’ defenders and made it difficult for them to build attacks from the back.
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