Arsenal Women topped their Champions League group as they produced one of the high-scoring football results of the midweek action in the Women’s Champions League. Maanum (18) scored the Gunners’ 150th goal under Eidevall with a free-kick to start the glut. Five minutes later, Foord (23) added her first of two goals, and Maanum (18) doubled her tally from close range (32). Blackstenius (45+1), who had already sealed the victory, added a second goal just before halftime as Arsenal easily rolled to a 4-0 lead. Maanum (51) and Blackstenius (54) both scored again 10 minutes after the half, proving that anyone anticipating a quieter second half was gravely mistaken. The strikers scored stunning goals in rapid succession, and Maanum, 23, continued her breakout season by scoring her third goal to give her a hat trick.
Arsenal may have had one point deducted for failing to keep a clean sheet. Leah Williamson was given a penalty for a challenge on Seraina Piubel in the 64th minute, and Zurich captain Fabienne Humm converted a good penalty. But it didn’t take Arsenal long to reclaim their six-goal lead. Oliwia Wos’ weak back ball was collected by Foord (68), who scored a goal that was practically handed to her just minutes after the Zurich defender had entered the game as a replacement. After that, Wos’ evening took a turn for the worst when she was called for a handball. After recovering from an injury, Arsenal captain Kim Little (71) stepped up and skillfully beat goalkeeper Lourdes Romero.
Even with an 8-1 advantage, the Gunners still had more to give. Mana Iwabuchi (83) was set up by Foord and Lina Hurtig after some wonderful play, and she scored on the angle to cap Arsenal’s sweep. In another Group C match, Juventus and the defending champions Lyon drew 0-0 to go alongside Arsenal to the round of eight.
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