- Arsenal secured a complete 4-0 victory towards Brighton, with Stina Blackstenius, Frida Maanum and Victoria Pelova scoring the objectives.
- Regardless of a last-minute change within the beginning XI, Arsenal displayed exceptional adaptability and dominance all through the match.
- The win propelled Arsenal above Manchester Metropolis within the WSL desk, again into the Champions League qualifying spots.
On a night of decisive dominance, Arsenal dispatched Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 on the Broadfield Stadium on Wednesday, propelling themselves above Manchester Metropolis within the Ladies’s Tremendous League desk, with a sport in hand.
It was a glowing show from the Gunners, with objectives from Stina Blackstenius, Frida Maanum and Victoria Pelova sealing the victory. Regardless of a last-minute change within the beginning XI as Lia Walti (who was feeling in poor health) was changed by Jodie Taylor, the Gunners had been swift to say their management on the sport.
The sixth minute noticed the primary objective as captain Katie McCabe discovered Blackstenius surging down the left. The Swedish striker lower inside and deftly put the ball within the bottom-right nook. “She has labored so arduous on the coaching floor to be extra harmful and her off the ball positioning has actually improved,” stated Arsenal’s supervisor Jonas Eidevall post-match.
A two-minute brace got here quickly after for Blackstenius, capitalising on a Brighton defensive error. Regardless of having each Taylor and Pelova on her flanks, she selected to go alone, doubling Arsenal’s benefit.
![Arsenal's decisive win over Brighton takes them above Man City 2 CRAWLEY, ENGLAND - MAY 10: Victoria Pelova of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's fourth goal during the FA Women's Super League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at Broadfield Stadium on May 10, 2023 in Crawley, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)](https://dailycannon.com/static/uploads/2023/05/brighton-and-hove-albion-v-arsenal-barclays-womens-super-league-1-scaled-e1683792209565.jpg)
Brighton barely had time to regroup earlier than the Gunners struck once more, this time Maanum discovering the online from a counter-attack transfer. Pelova rounded off the first-half scoring spree along with her first WSL objective, taking her alternative nicely from a good angle.
As Brighton tried to claw their means again within the second half, Arsenal’s defence stood agency.
Jen Beattie and Manuela Zinsberger pulled off essential blocks to maintain the Seagulls at bay. The Gunners’ defensive efficiency didn’t go unnoticed by Eidevall, who commented, “The hassle and the dedication within the penalty space was faultless. For instance, Lotte’s block is a large defensive play.”
The night additionally introduced optimistic damage information as Caitlin Foord made her return from damage. Teyah Goldie additionally made her first look in 14 months after a severe ACL damage, and 18-year-old Freya Godfrey earned her official debut for Arsenal.
The victory secured Arsenal’s spot within the Champions League qualifying positions, overtaking Manchester Metropolis.
“It’s the similar for a coach, when it’s important to make a behavior of discovering options, then you definately perceive it’s regular,” Eidevall mirrored on the crew’s adaptability regardless of their damage scenario.
Subsequent for Arsenal is a visit to Merseyside to face Brian Sorensen’s Everton on Could 17, carrying the momentum of this emphatic victory into their subsequent fixture.
The lads’s aspect, nevertheless, might be hoping they will produce an analogous efficiency and consequence after they face an injury-hit Brighton aspect on Sunday.
Jonas Eidevall post-match
After the match, Arsenal’s supervisor Jonas Eidevall spoke in regards to the sport’s key factors:
- Eidevall lauded the crew’s improved ball management and decision-making in comparison with their matches towards Leicester and Wolfsburg. He acknowledged the adjustments in formation within the second half, which he stated led to extra “broad overloads” and likelihood creation.
- The supervisor praised the adaptability of his crew, significantly Jodie Taylor and Victoria Pelova, who needed to change positions attributable to Lia Walti’s last-minute dropout. Eidevall emphasised the significance of his technical workers’s detailed planning and hypothetical situation discussions, which helped in making fast choices throughout the sport.
- Eidevall confirmed that Rafaelle’s halftime substitution was a strategic resolution for load administration, given the crew’s snug 4-0 lead, and never attributable to damage.
- He appreciated Stina Blackstenius’ efficiency, highlighting her improved off-the-ball positioning and the timing of her runs. Eidevall additionally lauded Frida Maanum’s objective, which he stated had similarities with the objective towards Bayern Munich.
- Eidevall was delighted with the crew’s defensive efficiency and dedication within the penalty space. He additionally talked about the numerous contribution of Lotte’s block, which he termed as a “big defensive play”.
- Concerning the crew’s adaptability amidst the damage scenario, Eidevall conceded that such circumstances made the crew stronger and extra ready for various situations.
- Lastly, Eidevall shared that he was pleasantly stunned by the crew’s early 2-0 lead, as he at all times expects each sport to be powerful and difficult. He believes this mindset helps the crew put together and work by way of each situation successfully.