- Arsenal are through to the quarter-finals of the UWCL
- Lina Hurtig's late goal saw the Gunners' efforts rewarded
- They join WSL sides Chelsea and Man City in knockouts
FROM EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal have guaranteed their spot in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women's Champions League, thanks to a 1-0 win over Juventus on Thursday night.
Lina Hurtug's late goal was welcomed after a relentless 90 minutes from the Gunners, who'd failed to find a way past the away side's low block.
They have joined Women's Super League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City in the knockout stages of the European tournament, helped by an earlier 1-1 draw between Bayern Munich and Valerenga to cement their top two group spot with two games to spare.
The result continues the Gunners' unbeaten run under interim manager Renee Slegers, whose future role remains unclear. The former assistant has played a crucial part in helping Arsenal return to winning ways, after a disappointing start to the season under the now departed Jonas Eidevall.
The north London club are committed in their search to find a new permanent replacement, but Slegers' recent performances have led many to speculate whether she should get the job.
How the game unfolded
Arsenal maintained possession from the very first whistle, but it was clear Juventus' low block was going to cause issues. Caitlin Foord asserted her dominance on the right-hand side quickly, generating threatening runs that were stopped by Juventus' Paulina Krumbiegel.
Luckily enough for the Gunners this didn't create too much concern, considering their four-goal advantage earned last week in Biella. But the lack of excitement continued well into the first 25 minutes, with Arsenal's best chance coming from a curling ball into the box from Katie McCabe that fell just past Alessia Russo's head.
Not long after it was Stina Blackstenius with the next opportunity, running onto the ball thanks to a sneaky pass from Russo. However, she came on too strong and shot it over the crossbar. The Gunners had recorded a 76% possession by half time, highlighting their level of control over the Italian visitors as they relentlessly attempted to find the back of the net.
The second half continued much like the first, but Arsenal's persistence nearly paid off, with Frida Maanum thinking a pass towards the left-hand corner had hit the net when instead it fell just wide.
Substitute Hurtig found herself in front of an open goal in the 82nd minute, but failed to connect with a header. This seemed like it would be Arsenal's last chance at taking the lead.
However, it wasn't long before the Swedish international clinched victory for the Gunners. After a persistent 90 minutes, Arsenal's efforts were rewarded. It might not have been a thrashing similar to the one they displayed a week prior, but it was certainly a convincing display from Slegers' side once more.
Arsenal player ratings (4-3-3)
GK: Daphne van Domselaar - 6/10 - She was only required to make two saves during the 90 minutes, and did so confidently.
RB: Emily Fox - 5/10 - The USWNT player recorded a 94% pass rate accuracy, despite making a few sloppy passes that were quickly intercepted by Juventus.
CB: Leah Williamson - 5/10 - Stayed in control when required, albeit hardly at all due to Arsenal staying on the front foot for the majority of the game.
CB: Steph Catley - 6/10 - Much like the rest of her defensive backline, she didn't have a whole lot to do. Despite this, the Australian international continued to look comfortable at centre-back.
LB: Katie McCabe - 7/10 - The defender had more involvement in her side's attacking efforts than the rest of her backline teammates. It was her cross into the box in the first half that went down as one of Arsenal's better opportunities.
CM: Lia Walti - 5/10 - The midfielder looked frustrated at her lack of ability to get the better of Juventus. In the second half this led to her making a few misjudged passes.
CM: Kim Little (c) - 7/10 - The skipper found space in the centre and was able to link with Russo and Maanum on occasion, but it was evident she struggled to find a way past Juventus' deep block which prevented further opportunities.
CM: Frida Maanum - 7/10 - Much like Russo, Maanum struggled to find space and as a result was unable to create consistent threat. However, she did nearly find the net in the 58th minute.
RW: Mariona Caldentey - 8/10 - The new recruit looked more comfortable on the ball when compared to recent games, working well in tandem with Foord. Her ability to switch sides when required is never not noticed, allowing her to utilise the breadth of the entire pitch.
ST: Alessia Russo - 7/10 - The England international tried her best to find space and get the better of Juventus' backline, but their low block made it virtually impossible. However, she kept busy and when on the ball displayed strength and looked confident.
LW: Caitlin Foord - 8/10- The winger has been standout this season and her performance on Thursday night was no different. Although she couldn't always find a way through Juventus' low block, her pace and energy when on the ball clearly unsettled the away side allowing her to break them down slowly.
Substitutes
SUB: Beth Mead (66' for Foord) - 5/10 - The England international was unable to find her rhythm.
SUB: Stina Blackstenius (66' for Maanum) - 5/10 - Failed to make an impact, recording zero shots on goal during her time on the pitch.
SUB: Lina Hurtig (80' for Russo) - 7/10 - She celebrated a late goal helping Arsenal secure their spot in the quarter-finals, successfully finding space which others had struggled to do during the rest of the game.
SUB: Rosa Kafaji (87' for Little) - N/A
Unused subs: Manuela Zinsberger (GK), Naomi Williams (GK), Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina, Laura Wienroither, Katie Reid, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Kathrine Kuhl.
Manager
Renee Slegers - 7/10 - Arsenal's interim head coach will be pleased to have got the job done on Thursday night, and played an instrumental role in helping her side secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. She named an unchanged starting XI from their 3-0 win over Tottenham last weekend in the WSL, reinforcing the confidence she has in the Gunners' squad of players.
