Arsenal triumphed with a commanding 4-0 victory over Juventus in the Women’s Champions League, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches. Frida Maanum opened the scoring in Italy, setting the tone for a strong performance that was further bolstered by goals from Stina Blackstenius, Mariona Caldentey, and Caitlin Foord in the second half.
Despite an early chance for Juventus, Arsenal displayed confidence and composure throughout the match. Interim head coach Renée Slegers praised her side’s resolve and was particularly pleased with the squad’s ability to seize control after Maanum’s opener. Juventus, coming into the fixture with momentum as leaders in Serie A, posed a formidable challenge, but Arsenal’s structure and clinical finishing proved decisive.
Frida Maanum has been a standout performer for Arsenal this season, and under Slegers’s interim guidance, the 25-year-old Norwegian has solidified her role as the team’s playmaker. Her goal on Tuesday was emblematic of her impact: an intelligent run, expertly picked out by Foord, and a decisive strike across goal that gave the Gunners a crucial advantage heading into halftime. Maanum’s movement and vision have become essential to Arsenal’s attack, adding a creative spark that has helped the team transition smoothly after the departure of Jonas Eidevall.
Juventus manager Massimiliano Canzi, aware of Arsenal’s attacking strength, made tactical adjustments for the clash, opting to start some of his most seasoned players, including Cristiana Girelli and Barbara Bonansea, on the bench. Despite their strategic lineup changes, Juventus struggled to break through Arsenal’s defenses, as goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, who replaced Manuela Zinsberger, made a crucial early save against Sofia Cantore. The Italian side initially showed intensity, pressing high up the pitch and attempting to exploit spaces in Arsenal’s backline, but Arsenal’s quick adjustment in rhythm saw them gradually gain control.
The match saw Arsenal execute a disciplined yet fluid approach, utilizing the flanks effectively to stretch Juventus. Katie McCabe and Valentina Bergamaschi each tested the opposing goalkeepers in the first half, and Juventus received a warning when Maanum nearly capitalized on a chance just minutes before her decisive goal. Her precision and confidence in front of goal underscored Arsenal’s growing cohesion as they continue to adapt under Slegers’s interim management.
In the second half, Juventus endeavored to equalize, but their attacking efforts left them increasingly exposed. Arsenal took advantage, maintaining a balanced attack while introducing fresh legs that reinvigorated their forward momentum. Caldentey’s quick reactions and vision allowed her to set up Blackstenius for a sharp near-post finish to double the lead, and she capitalized again soon after, scoring herself when Juventus failed to clear effectively. Caldentey’s contributions off the bench were emblematic of Arsenal’s depth and adaptability, showing their capacity to convert opportunities across various phases of the game.
The final goal from Foord, who had been industrious throughout the match on both wings, rounded off Arsenal’s impressive display. Her close-range finish not only secured a four-goal margin but also underscored the team’s commitment to pressing forward until the final whistle. Each of Arsenal’s four goals came from different scorers, showcasing their diverse attacking options and hinting at a growing sense of belief within the team.
With the north London derby against Tottenham on the horizon, Slegers emphasized the importance of remaining humble despite the boost in confidence this win provides. Arsenal’s discipline in defense, even when comfortably ahead, was a testament to their mentality and work ethic. The clean sheet against a strong Juventus team adds further weight to their recent run of form, suggesting that this group is beginning to hit their stride. As Slegers put it, their relentless effort “until the last second” exemplifies the resilience that could make them formidable contenders moving forward in both domestic and European competitions.
