WSL: Arsenal dominate Leicester before crucial UWCL semi-final | OneFootball

An impressive WSL performance from Arsenal saw them take all three points from Leicester at the Emirates Stadium. The six-goal thriller sets the Gunners up for their semi-final clash against Lyon.

Tuesday night’s performance not only strengthened Arsenal’s domestic campaign but also sent a clear statement heading into the final stretch. Here’s how it all unfolded against Leicester.

Starting XIs

Arsenal

Zinsberger; McCabe, Catley, Williamson, Fox, Little, Maanum, Caldentey, Foord, Blackstenius, Mead.

Leicester

Leitzig; Ale, Thibaud, Howard, Bott, Tierney, Cayman, Momiki, Chossenotte, Cain, O’Brien.

Foord hits 50 for Arsenal

There were no signs of fatigue following the international break for the Gunners, as they took an early lead. Caitlin Foord tapped home in the ninth minute, rewarding Arsenal for their early pressure. A pinpoint cross from Frida Maanum saw the Matilda hit home at the far post — marking her 50th goal in red and white.

The home side doubled their advantage in the 16th minute as Beth Mead squared the ball, and Blackstenius was in the right place to slot it home.

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Despite Arsenal having most of the chances, Leicester strung together a good passage of play in the 19th minute. However, it was to no avail as Manuela Zinsberger easily caught Hannah Cain’s effort.

A first half that saw Leicester struggle to keep the ball and deal with Arsenal’s heavy pressure was capped off as Foord doubled her goal tally for the day, making it 3-0. An excellent lay-off by Blackstenius fell to Foord, whose shot took a wicked deflection into the back of the net.

Arsenal maintain their dominance

Leicester improved dramatically in the second half, yet Arsenal still dominated in terms of chances. The Gunners almost added a fourth, if not for a goal-line clearance from Janice Cayman. Despite this improved defensive resilience from the away side, Leicester were unable to keep out Beth Mead’s header in the 61st minute — her seventh of the season.

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Momiki got Leicester on the scoresheet in the 66th minute as Arsenal failed to defend her at the edge of the box. The joy for the travelling fans was short-lived, however, as Victoria Pelova scored her first goal since returning from her ACL injury. It was a stunning volley that sailed into the back of the net.

The remaining 20 minutes saw Arsenal comfortably cruise to victory and rest some of their more important players before the weekend.

Up next

Arsenal will host Olympique Lyonnais in a thrilling Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Kicking off at 12:30 p.m. BT, the match will air live on DAZN and TNT Sports.

Meanwhile, Leicester will have the week off following the rearranged WSL match against Arsenal. The Foxes’ next game will be hosting Manchester City on Sunday, 27th April, at King Power Stadium.

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