Stina Blackstenius scored a brace to help Arsenal Women produce one of the most comfortable football scores of the weekend in the Women’s Super League. After City lost to Liverpool at a crucial time in the season last weekend, manager Jonas Eidevall claimed to “not care” about the outcomes of Arsenal’s immediate rivals. However, the error has allowed the Gunners to overtake Gareth Taylor’s team in the rankings. With Arsenal currently tied with City on 44 points, having outscored Brighton with excellent attacking efficiency, having a stronger goal differential, and having a key game in hand, only the top three clubs will advance to the European competition.
Blackstenius got Arsenal off to a startlingly quick start, netting with her first two shots on goal within eight minutes. Eidevall’s side, dealing with yet another injury problem, hastened to put the outcome beyond their hosts before the game had even reached the halfway mark. Five minutes before halfway, Frida Maanum headed Noelle Maritz’s scooped pass past Megan Walsh, and Victoria Pelova completed the score just before the interval to clinch a decisive victory in the race for Champions League qualifying.
Although the game was won in the first ten minutes, Arsenal, who is still vying for a Champions League spot, didn’t let up; goal differential may yet have an impact on the top-three competition this season. Blackstenius, who was the picture of serenity and control in the initial exchanges, appeared to lose it later on, sending a straightforward header against the crossbar after excellent work from Katie McCabe on the left, but her first two goals showed just how lethal she can be when attacking from open play.
The first entry was created by McCabe as Blackstenius gave Zoe Morse the slip before shooting into the far corner. The second entry was a bit easier as the Swedish striker received the ball deep in Brighton territory thanks to Arsenal’s high press. She only needed to apply a routine side-foot finish to beat an unsighted Walsh. A false offside call cruelly prevented Blackstenius from completing her hat trick on many occasions until Maanum took advantage of Arsenal’s unrelenting momentum to sneak up on Guro Bergsvand and score from Maritz’ cross with a directed header.
As three swiftly turned into four when Pelova gave Walsh the eyes before slipping the ball past the Brighton custodian at her near post, the visitors showed little indication of slowing down. Maanum made a great pass, with a sharp angle and a very accurate finish. Brighton rallied to keep the score from getting worse but ultimately lacked the cunning to create anything on the other end as Arsenal continued to dominate in a far less important second half. Even if they are not yet mathematically secure, Brighton is still five points ahead of last-place Reading and are much more confident under Melissa Phillips’ leadership after collecting seven points from five games.
“The fact that we had just played it made it the most crucial game, but so did the circumstances. In deciding how to employ the squad, we had to make wise choices. It was a solid effort in the first half. We did a great job of holding onto the ball and built ourselves a lead going into the second half,” Arsenal Women manager Jonas Eidevall said. “Although difficult, it is what we are here for. We must produce the finest outcome attainable. I don’t believe in making excuses; we need to find answers. It’s no accident that our offensive productivity is increasing right now [former striker]. Our coaching staff member Kelly Smith has made an impact with little things.”
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