Five talking points as Arsenal Women suffer Champions League ...

2 May 2023
Arsenal Women

Arsenal Women have failed to make it to the UEFA Women's Champions League final after an exhilarating semi-final in front of more than 60,000 fans.

The game saw drama early on within the first five minutes after a VAR check for a penalty against Arsenal but after a long several minutes, referee Lina Lehtovaara's great call for an offside against Wolfsburg let Gunners fans breathe a sigh of relief.

But the decision making and VAR deciders filled the whole match with drama as Blackstenius' second goal to put Arsenal in front in the first two minutes of the second half was disallowed.

READ MORE: Leah Williamson spotted pulling pints before Arsenal's Champions League Emirates sell-out

Here are our talking points from a historic night at the Emirates.

Stina Blackstenius is key for Arsenal

Scored the first goal of the night which put Arsenal on the front foot, and is proving herself as a key squad member for Jonas Eidevall.

Fired at goal again just short of the half hour mark forcing a good save from Frohms

Dances around Wolfsburg’s midfield to get in an attacking position for the Gunners, she’s got it all tonight. She’s linking up play and possession, drive the press and allow her teammates to come forward - as well as scoring goals.

Arsenal put themselves on the line

Katie McCabe’s fantastic pressing in the 33rd minute which eventually lead to a corner fuelled the Gunners to put themselves on the line making some powerful tackles to keep the ball in Wolfsburg’s half and continue pressing. A very organised Arsenal side today.

Silly mistake lead to Wolfsburg first goal

A really silly mistake from Noelle Maritz lead to the Wolfsburg equaliser shortly before half-time. Maritz was booked for holding back Alex Popp just beyond the halfway line, stopping Wolfsburg from breaking. A spectacular free kick which made its way into the box for Jill Roord to fire home for an equaliser just before the end of the first 45.

VAR drama fuelled match

VAR has always been a controversial talking point within the men’s game but here we have it in the women’s game - and the same controversy surrounds it.

It came into action within the first few moments of the game against Arsenal, but thankfully for them, a Wolfsburg player was found offside - a lucky escape for the Gunners. However the VAR drama didn’t stop in the opening five minutes, with an Arsenal goal ruled out for offside.

History-making attendance at the Emirates

60,063 at the Emirates on Monday night made it the biggest ever attendance for Arsenal Women. History makers on a Bank Holiday Monday. Despite suffering a loss at the hands of two-time UWCL winners, Arsenal and their fanbase have made history and that’s something to be proud of.

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