Arsenal took a giant step towards reaching the knockout stages of the Women’s Champions League by cruising to a 3-0 win over HB Koge at Meadow Park on Wednesday night.
Caitlin Foord’s first-half finish (15) was added to late on by Lotte Wubben-Moy’s firm header from Beth Mead’s cross (83) before substitute Vivianne Miedema capped a comfortable evening with a composed finish for Arsenal’s third (88).
The result means Arsenal remain just three points behind Barcelona in Group C after they dismantled Hoffenheim 5-0 in Germany, with Jonas Eidevall’s side next hosting the Catalans at the Emirates on December 9.
Arsenal are on the brink of reaching the quarter-finals as six points separate them and Hoffenheim in third place with two games remaining.
More to follow…
Analysis: Comfortable night for Arsenal
Former Arsenal forward Kelly Smith told Sky Sports:
“Arsenal looked extremely comfortable, especially in defense. They had plenty of opportunities to extend their lead and the Koge goalkeeper was great as she was last week.
“Jonas has kept the same Arsenal style even though he’s brought in his own players. I feel they’ve become less predictable but it’ll be interesting to see how they continue to adapt without Laura Williamson given her hamstring injury.
“It’s a tough one to know if Arsenal are capable of going on to lift the Champions League but the big test will be against Barcelona at the Emirates. They will have learned from the spanking they got from them, will sit deeper and make it harder to play through as in the reverse game. Barcelona are just outstanding when they have the ball.
“Arsenal have the players, though, and you always need that little bit of luck in these tournaments. So never say never.”
