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After a tumultuous week which started with a 5-2 thrashing by Bayern Munich, continued in a disappointing league defeat at home to Chelsea and peaked when head coach Jonas Eidevall handed in his resignation, Arsenal battled to an unspectacular, but hugely important, 4-1 win over Valerenga on Wednesday night. The centre of defence still looked shaky, the midfield often lacked tempo and the forwards weren’t their most clinical, but it always felt like a game that was all about the result, not the performance.
Just a day after Eidevall’s departure, interim coach Renee Slegers didn’t overcomplicate things. She kept the changes to a minimal and sent the players out to show their quality, something full-back Emily Fox did from the get-go. There were only two minutes on the clock when the U.S. star netted her first Arsenal goal and it was a contribution that set the tone for her individual display, which was excellent. Caitlin Foord doubled that lead before the half-hour mark and, at that point, the home fans could be forgiven for relaxing.
But it took just a few minutes for a lapse in concentration at the back to let Valerenga back into the game, with Olaug Tvedten the beneficiary in the closing stages of the first half. Arsenal had plenty of chances to make it three and it felt like this would be a nervy one until that came, with the visitors seeing a particularly big chance for Karina Saevik go begging.
Those anxieties were finally eased in the closing stages. Five minutes from time, Stina Blackstenius picked out Mariona Caldentey to fire home and then the Spaniard played in Alessia Russo, whose finish further ensured the Gunners would get their first win of the Champions League group stage.
GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from the Emirates Stadium…
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Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Daphne van Domselaar (6/10):
Made a great save to deny Janni Thomsen but maybe could’ve done better for the goal.
Emily Fox (8/10):
Early goal eased the pressure on a big night. Got forward brilliantly in a really impressive display.
Leah Williamson (5/10):
Wasn’t herself in certain moments as the centre of Arsenal’s defence continued to look a little suspect.
Laia Codina (5/10):
Dwelled on the ball too long for Valerenga’s goal.
Katie McCabe (7/10):
Continued her fine early-season form before going off after a strong hour.
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Getty ImagesMidfield
Lia Walti (7/10):
Great on the ball and battled well, too.
Kim Little (6/10):
Kept things ticking over nicely in midfield without stealing the show.
Mariona Caldentey (8/10):
Created tons of chances and showed great movement. Got a late goal and assist.
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Getty ImagesAttack
Beth Mead (5/10):
Worked really hard, winning possession back more often than any other player while she was on the pitch, but didn’t make a huge impact in attack.
Alessia Russo (7/10):
Good movement, nice link-up play and got the goal her effort warranted right at the death.
Caitlin Foord (7/10):
Super lively performance. Deserved her goal.
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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Frida Maanum (7/10):
Instantly added new energy to the attack.
Steph Catley (6/10):
Picked up where McCabe left off, powering up and down the wing to be an asset in defence and attack.
Stina Blackstenius (N/A):
Only on for the last 10 minutes or so but made a real impact with a pinpoint assist.
Katie Reid (N/A):
The promising defender made her Champions League debut in stoppage time.
Lina Hurtig (N/A):
Another late sub, marking her return from injury.
Renee Slegers (7/10):
In her first game as interim coach, it was no surprise that she didn’t change too much and that in itself was important to get the result. Instilled the players with confidence and set them on their way to bounce back.
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