Four goals scored, three points earned, second place secured, one huge game left for Arsenal this season.
Renee Slegers’ side ensured they will go into their Champions League final against Barcelona on 24 May on the back of a victory, following a topsy-turvy 4-3 win over Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime.
There are reasons to be cheerful for the Gunners, who produced a display of real attacking verve at times against United, scoring three goals in 16 minutes after half-time while having 16 shots in total.
Even against the formidable reigning European champions Barca, who could seal another Liga F domestic title this weekend, Arsenal should be able to pose attacking questions.
Alessia Russo is the joint-winner of the Women’s Super League (WSL) Golden Boot with 12 goals, while Arsenal have won their past eight home league matches while scoring four or more goals every time.
But the concerns for Arsenal lie in defence, with 12 goals conceded in their past three WSL matches. Five shipped against Aston Villa, four in defeat by Brighton, then three to almost allow Manchester United back into the game.
The manner of the three United goals will cause concern too. Ella Toone was unmarked to head home and make it 1-1 after 13 minutes.
Then in the second half, with Arsenal seemingly safe three goals to the good, Katie McCabe’s dreadful pass square across the back four allowed Elisabeth Terland to score before the Irish defender fouled Celin Bizet to concede a penalty, converted by Maya le Tissier.
“Arsenal opened the door for Man Utd and that door should’ve been nailed shut at 4-1,” former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis told BBC Two. “They know that anything remotely like this against Barcelona and they will be punished.
“It’s a win and ticked a few boxes of the objectives that Slegers wanted, which was to finish second and avoid extra games next season – but there will be a lot of analysis before the Barcelona game.”
