Starting XI: Borbe, Holmberg, Catley, Williamson, Hinds, Little (8), Cooney-Cross, Maanum (29), Kelly (11), Foord (19), Blackstenius (23).

Subs: Russo (25), Mariona (10), Baum (9), Cerci (12), Smith (18).

The number represents subs that where brought on to replace the starting player.

Team Stats: Ball possession 70%, Big chances 1, Total shots 19, Goalkeeping saves 1, Corner kicks 10, Fouls 4, Passes 620, Tackles 17, Free kicks 15, Yellow cards 0, Average rating (total players) 8.17, Total shots 19, Shots on target 2, Hit wood-work 1, Shots off target 7, Blocked shots 10, Shots inside box 13m Shots outside box 6, Touches in opposition box 45, Fouled in final 3rd 7, Offsides 5, Accurate passes 534, Throw-ins 26, Final 3rd entries 99, Passes in final 3rd 176/241 (73%), Long balls 25/40 (63%), Crosses 5/35 (14%), Duels 59%, Dispossessed 21, Ground duels 46/84 (55%), Aerial duels 14/18 (78%), Dribbles 13/24 (54%), Tackles won 82%, Interceptions 5, Recoveries 66, Clearances 12, Errors leading to shot 0, Goalkeeping saves 1, High claims 4, Punches 0, Goal kicks 1.

Match Summary:

Previously on Arsenal Emirates… Holmberg has the last say and equals 1-1 in game but Nate and Lucas start fighting on the court and everyone is like no…. What *use imagination for One Tree hill Music*. Hang on! That’s One Tree Hill not Arsenal Summary. (Sorry I wanted to do a funny gag - if the funny gag has not been pulled off please leave a comment or downvote).

Previously Arsenal faced Manchester United in Match Day 3 at The Emirates which ended 1-1. This week Arsenal started the UEFA women’s Champions League match against HB Køge at Borehamwood. Last time Arsenal faced HB Køge was back on 17th November 2021 where Arsenal beat them 3-0 at home. Since then HB Køge have gotten stronger as a club so it was going to be a test for The Arsenal. 

First half begins one minute in and Taylor Hinds wins a free-kick foul committed by Kyra Carusa (#7). Six minutes later Steph Catley wins a free-kick foul was committed by Nadia Nadim (#9), a minute later Taylor Hinds wins another free-kick foul committed by Zuzanna Witek (#88). In the 8th minute Chloe Kelly and Smilla Holmberg were caught offside three minutes later an attempt was blocked which came from Catlin Foord from the centre of the box which was assisted by Holmberg. Arsenal have found it difficult to score goals this season so far but Chole Kelly has the ball…. OH WHAT A GOAL BY CHLOE KELLY! TWO TIME EUROPEAN CHAMPION UEFA CHAMPION - ARSENAL HERO - WE ARE SO BACK! 

But, not for long as Kelly’s goal was ruled offside…. Why do we even have VAR if that ref allowed Lampard’s goal we wouldn’t have VAR!

26th Minute Frida Maanum creates a shot from the centre of the box right footed. But, is saved in the bottom left corner by Albert Vingum (#1). 31st minute Macy Schultz (3#) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked - corner HB Køge conceded by Taylor Hinds. Kim Little then wins a free kick in the attacking half fouled committed by Krya Carusa (7#). In the 37th minute Leah Williamson wins a free kick in the defensive half. 41st, Frida Maanum has a right footed shot from the centre of the box but is blocked the assist came from Chloe Kelly. 41st and Krya Cooney-Cross has a right footed shot from outside of the box is close, but misses to the left was assisted by Steph Catley. 42nd Catlin Foord was caught offside and was assisted by Smila Holmberg. 43rd Frida Maanum wins a free kick in the attacking half - foul committed by Maria Uhre (2#). Two minutes added on in the 1st half and Krya Cooney-Cross missed a right footed shot from outside the box as it was too high.

 

Half time 0-0

Second half begins and Stina Blackstenius is taken off at halftime Alessia Russo replaces her. Two minutes in and Catlin Foord missed an attempt on goal with a right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right which was assisted by Kyra-Cooney Cross. Within the next 30 seconds Taylor Hinds missed a left footed shot from the centre of the box. 49th minute Arsenal won a corner which was conceded by Marie Uhre (#2) and then a foul was committed by Taylor Hinds and HB Køge won a free kick.

55th minute Macy Schultz concedes a corner which Arsenal took - minute later a foul was committed by Jereko (33#) Holmberg had won a free-kick. Two minutes later Naida Nadim (9#) committed a foul on Krya Cooney-Cross and Arsenal won a free +-kick on the left wing. 58th minute and double substitution happened for Arsenal Kim Little and Foord came off and were replaced by Mariona and Lisa Baum.  60th Minute Alessia Russo had a header from the center of the box which was blocked, this came from a Holmberg cross. Shortly after, Lisa Baum wins a free kick for Arsenal - foul committed by Emma Flick (#32). A minute later Arsenal win a corner which was conceded by Alberte Vigum (#1). Then Frida Maanum left footed shot from the centre of the box was high and wide to the left the shot was missed. This was assisted by Alessia Russo via a cross. Chloe Kelly's right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. The attempt was blocked, this was assisted by Krya Cooney-Cross. Another attempt was blocked. Taylor Hinds had a left footed shot from outside the box.

In the 66th minute Arsenal still could not break through but Chloe Kelly's right footed shot from the left side of the box was blocked which was assisted by Taylor HInds. 68th minute Alessia Russo was caught offside which was assisted by Frida Maanum. 69th Minute Kyra Cooney-Cross wins a free-kick in the defensive half - foul was committed by Nadia Nadim (#9). 72nd minute Frida Maanum comes off and Selina Cerci comes on, Cerci then commits a foul a minute later and HB Køge wins a free-kick. 79th Minute, Alessia Russo wins a free kick in the defensive half. 81st Minute and Mariona wins a free kick on the left wing foul was committed by Laura Munk Hermmann (#24). 82nd Minute and Chloe Kelly was subbed off for Olivia Smith, Arsenal were still 0-0. Lisa Baum wins a free kick in the 84th minute foul was committed by Yukina Sakabe (#4). A minute later Alessia Russo had an attempted blocked right footed shot from outside the box. Was assisted by Olivia Smith. Simone Boye conceded a corner, Arsenal took. Then Krya Cooney-Cross’s attempt was blocked by a left footed shot from the centre of the box. Leah Williamson missed a shot on goal from the center of the box; the shot was too high. Olivia Smith then won a free-kick in the 88th minute and a foul was committed by Laura Munk Hermann (#24). 

90th Minute and four minutes added on - Arsenal were seriously running out of time. 91st  Taylor Hinds wins a free-kick on the left wing, foul committed by Emelia Oskarsdottir (#22). Cerci runs into the box but it is brought down ITS A PEN! PEN! COME ON REF THAT’S A PEN GIVE THE PEN! REF LOOKS… AND… AND… POINTS TO THE SPOT ITS A PENALTY!!

Mariona stood to take the Penalty.. … … … GOALLLLLLLLLLLL in the last minute of extra time Mariona Caldentey wins it for Arsenal. Arsenal 1 - 0 HB Køge.

Full time Arsenal 1-0 HB Køge!

Starting XI: Misa, Fox, Wubben-Moy , Williamson (C), Battle, Cooney-Cross (25) , Stanway, Baum (9), Mariona (10), Kelly (15), Russo (12).

Subs: Smith (18), Blackstenius (32), Little (8), Foord (19), Maanum (23).

The number represents subs that where brought on to replace the starting player.

Team stats vs Crystal Palace: Possession 79%, xG 2.56, Total shots 30, Shots on target 9, Shots off Target 12, Touches in opposition box 70, Big chances 4, Big chances missed 4, Accurate passes 632 (90%), Fouls committed 9, Offsides 3, Corners 13, Blocked shots 9, Hit woodwork 2, Shots inside box 20, Shots outside box 10, XG open play 1.61, xG set play 0.96, xGOT 1.44, Total passes 700, Own half passes 163, Opposition half 469, Accurate long balls 18 (60%), Accurate crosses 5 (13%), Throw-ins 21, Touches in opposition box 70, Tackles 9, Interceptions 8, Blocks 0, Clearances 7, Keeper saves 1, Duels won 46 (45%), Ground duels won 36 (45%), Aerial duels won 10 (45%), Successful dribbles 14 (54%), Yellow cards 0, Red cards 0.

Match Summary: Previously, Arsenal had lifted the Brighton curse and beat them 1-0 thanks to brilliance from Lisa Baum. This time round Arsenal faced newly promoted side Crystal Palace at The Emirates Stadium. Last time Arsenal faced Crystal Palace was in the League Cup which led to a 2-0 victory.

In the first half Arsenal started strong and were hungry for goals as Arsenal are title contenders this season. Within the first few minutes of the match Lottie threaded the ball to Krya Cooney-Cross passed the ball to Ona Battle, Battle passed it back to Krya, Krya then passed the ball to Stanway so Stanway could line up the ball to put it into the box. Stanway cleverly passes the ball to Alessia Russo and blocked by Evertt (6# Palace) then a save by the Crystal Palace Keeper Peyraud-Magin (26# Palace) then cleared off of the line by former Arsenal defender Teyah Goldie (22# Palace). Minutes later, Ona Battle threads the ball to Chloe Kelly - Kelly crosses the ball into the box, but then is blocked by the Palace defence and the chance is over…

But, not for long as the ball drops to Mariona and goes for the shot - but hits the woodwork. Arsenal were knocking on the door to get a goal in the first half and had another chance as Stanway put in a long ball which fell to Emily Fox - Fox races up the pitch passes the ball back to Stanway, Stanway passes the ball to Cooney-Cross, Cross swerves in between the Palace defence and passes the ball to Mariona - Mariona threads the ball to Emily Fox, Fox has a chance…

But, not for long as Emily Fox’s chance is saved by Crystal Palace Keeper Peyraud-Magin (26# Palace). Stanway creates another chance, passes the ball to Mariona who then pushes it out to Lisa Baum - Baum then carries the ball into the penalty box, gets round a couple of the Palace defenders and the ball is collected by Crystal Palace Keeper Peyraud-Magin. Cooney- Cross passes the ball back out to Emily Fox who crosses it to Stanway - who tries to head the ball, then falls to Baum pushed out - only to push to Russo has a shot on goal…

But, not for long as Crystal Palace defender is on the line next to the keeper and the shot is blocked off of the line and is cleared. On the other side of the pitch Crystal Palace had a key chance on goal via a set piece which almost went in from Goldie (Palace) but was watched via Misa. Back in the Palace half and Kelly is fouled by a Crystal Palace player, a free kick towards Mariona passes it to Ona Battle who goes for goal…

But, not for long as the ball goes over Crystal Palace net and that is the 1st half 0-0! Second half begins Battle runs down the wing to create a chance - passes out to Mariona - who then passes to Russo- Russo passes to Fox - Fox passes it Stanway - Stanway passes to Baum, Baum goes for goal…

But, not for long! The Crystal Palace Keeper saves Baum’s shot on goal and pushes out for a corner. Mariona threads the ball to Stanway who passes it to Russo - Russo passes it to Baum, Baum has a shot…

But not for long!! As Baum hits the bar. Then incoming subs arrive at the 60th minute Chloe Kelly and Cooney-Cross come off and Smith and Blackstenius come on. Mariona threads the ball to Baum who passes it to Stina - Stina has a shot…

But not for long! As Stina’s shot is saved by the keeper. Olivia Smith delivers the corner into the box but the cross is too deep and no Arsenal players get on the end of the cross. Russo chases the ball - crosses to Mariona - pushed out via Palace defender but Baum steps in and passes it to Olivia Smith, Smith has a shot blocked by Palace. Smith then passes it to Russo, Russo has a shot…

But not for long! As Russo’s shot is saved by the Crystal Palace Keeper. Mariona squares the ball to Stanway, Stanway goes for goal…

But not for long! As the Keeper saves yet again. 75th Minute Kim Little and Catlian Foord come on for Mariona and Baum. Arsenal still created chances after chances, but the ball did not go in the back of the net. 85th minute Frida Maanum comes on for Alessia Russo during that time Olivia Smith goes for goal and misses. The game ends 0-0 and I have used my limit on the phrase “But not for long!” as this match reminded me of Horrible Histories historical weather reports.

Team Stats vs Brighton: Ball possession 65%, xG 1.32, Total shots 13, Shots on target 6, Touches in the opposition box 44, Big chances 2, Big chances missed 2, Accurate passes 536 (86%) Yellow cards 2, Corners 7. xG open play 1.12, xG set play 0.21, xGOT 0.74, blocked shots 2, Hit woodwork 0, Shots inside box 10, Shots outside box 3, passes 624, own half 242, Opposition half 294, Accurate long balls 30 (51%), Accurate crosses 4 (20%), throws 20, touches in opposition box 44, Offsides 1, Red cards 0, Fouls committed 13, Tackles 14, Interceptions 9, blocks 1, clearances 24, Keeper saves 2, Duels won 33, Ground duels won 26 (39%), Aerial duels won 7 (41%), Successful dribbles 4 (24%).

Match Summary: Arsenal faced Brighton away on Match Day 1 WSL last time the gunners faced Brighton Away ended in a 1-1 draw which lead Manchester City to become Champions, prior to that the Gunners lost 2-0 in the FA Cup to Brighton and got knocked out. So Arsenal wanted to end that curse.

In the first half, Brighton started strong within the first five minutes of the match with Seike getting a shot on target, but summer signing Misa saved the shot. Brighton continued to press on until another summer signing Georgia Stanway threaded the ball to Lisa Baum. Baum charges past Brighton’s defence, cuts in on the left hand side and smashes the ball in the back of the net 1-0 to Arsenal… Brighton continued to press after Baum’s goal (especially with Seike) but could not break through within the 1st half thanks to an incredible save by Misa. Alessia Russo almost made it 2-0 as Olivia Smith tackled Vanegas for the ball and managed to pass it to Russo, Russo cut back to create the goal but skied it. During that first half also, Arsenal fans saw an outstanding performance by Georgia Stanway and how she works as a deep-playermaker role with her Defensive Midfielder capabilities when Brighton were on the attack but also; help create Lisa Baum’s goal.

Second Half and Brighton continued to press and in the 46th minute came close luckily Misa pulled off a brilliant save, but Arsenal did not hang back as they were looking for a second goal in the 63rd minute goal scorer Baum was subbed alongside Olivia Smith for Chloe Kelly and Catlin Foord. Arsenal then continued to look for the second goal as an outside of the box strike came from Little but was collected by Nnadozie. In the 71st minute Mariona Caldentey was subbed off and Stina Blackstenius was brought on and Russo was dropped down to the Number 10 position. In the 82nd minute Russo threads the ball to Stina and Stina comes close to making 2-0 but once again Nnadozie makes an excellent save. 88th minute and it was a double substitution for Arsenal Alessia Russo, Ona Battle came off and Smila Holmberg, Frida Maamum came on to see the game out and to help defend the backline. 7 Minutes were added on and the match ended 1-0 to the Arsenal.

THE BRIGHTON CURSE IS BROKEN AND I NO LONGER BELIEVE IN IT! There must be Arsenal in the atmosphere.

What was interesting to witness was Arsenal Captain Kim Little played a deeper role in Midfield where Kim would drop back when Arsenal counter to get a second goal and would also be in the box or just outside, when Brighton either had a set piece or corner so Little could make a clearance or recovery (in total Little made 2 key clearances one to key note is in the 2nd half to prevent Arsenal conceding after a Brighton set piece). Georgia Stanaway also made some incredible chances, of course Baum goals and made some brilliant defensive contributions earning her player of the match.

Starting XI: Borbe, Fox (31), Wubben-Moy, Codina (6), McCabe, Mariona, Pelova, Smith (18), Maanum (25), Mead (19), Russo.

Subs: Holmberg (2), Foord (9), Kelly (15), Blackstenius (12), Williamson (5).

The number represents subs that where brought on to replace the starting player.

Heatmaps used: Fotmob

Statistical data won't be shown on this heatmaps due to a delay in the heatmap cover and also prior commitments ♥️

Starting XI: Hampton, Le Tissier, Carter, Morgan (16), Charles (17), Stanway (20),.Walsh (18), Blindkidle, Hemp, Russo, James (19).

Subs: Greenwood (6), Mead (7), Kelly (3), Park (8), Kendall (4).

The number represents subs that where brought on to replace the starting player.

Heatmaps used: One Football

Statistical data: One Football

Stats: Possession (ENG) 81% - 19% (UKR), Shots on Target (ENG) 10 - 1 (UKR), Shot Accuracy (ENG) 38% - 20%, Shots Inside (ENG) 16 - 4 (UKR), Total Shots (ENG) 26 - 5 (UKR) Dules Won (ENG) 52% - 48% (UKR), Tackles (ENG) 15 - 31 (UKR), Tackles Won (ENG) 67% - 52% (UKR), Interceptions (ENG) 7 - 6 (UKR), Clearances (ENG) 5 - 45 (UKR).

England beat Ukraine 3-0 at the Hilldickson stadium (Everton) to secure World Cup Play off rounds! A comeback that ended on a high with excellent play by Russo, Blindkidle and a beautiful free-kick by Beth Mead. Has the defence problem been solved with 3 at the back?! All will be discussed as follows using statistical data via One Football.

14 minutes into the game Jess Carter heads home 1-0 via Lauren James, then in 37th minute Russo passes the ball into the box and Stanway slides it home; 2nd half 67th minute England win a free-kick and is shot beautifully by Beth Mead who is now on an equal goal scoring record to Farra Williams.

Shots on Target 10, shows a drastic improvement from Spain away, mostly likely down to the change in midfield and fullbacks. Blindkidle was brought in and linked brilliantly with the front three. Fullbacks also changed with Charles and Le Tisser coming in as attacking Wingbacks which created more of an attacking threat, including Le Tisser getting in a goal scoring opportunity. Shot Accuracy increased 38% (38%) which correlates with the aggressive style of football. Shots inside the box increased by 15 (16) again correlates to the attacking fallbacks, more attacking football and Russo, Hemp and James able to get the shots away instead of being isolated. Total shots increased by 23 (26) which includes shots inside the box and outside the box, shots that went on target, shots that were saved. Overall, The Shots show a massive increase in attack from the previous game and shows attacking aggressive football fits England's style more than possessive and defensive football.

Possession increased by 43% (81%) which shows how England controlled the game well, with interception at 7, Tackles at 15 and Tackles Won 67%, this shows how England fully controlled the game with Carter, Greenwood and Le Tisser acting as a back three ready to invert as CBs when Ukraine countered. Duels won was 52% which correlates England's control of the game and the urgency for attacking style football and clearing any chances of attack from Ukraine (5). Jess Park also later on helped control the game with the quick counters going from defence to attack with links up from Mead and Blindkidle. This also helped decrease Ukraine's chances in attacking football.

The back three with Carter, Greenwood and Le Tisser really helped control the game and create opportunities late on; a back three system works best with England style of football with highly creative players such as Russo, James, Hemp, Stanway, Blindkidle; then having Walsh as a solid 6 to track back into a 4 incase of a counter attack; on top of that having Le Tisser and Charles (replaced by Kelly) as attacking Wingbacks which created more chances and defensive control.

England are through to the play offs and will find out their opponent on 18th June 2026.

Starting XI: Domselaar, Fox, Wubben-Moy (24), Codina, McCabe (7), Mead (15), Mariona, Pelova, Foord (18), Blackstenius (12), Russo.

Subs: Hinds (3), Maanum (25), Smith (9), Kelly (19), Catley (11).

The number represents subs that where brought on to replace the starting player.

Heatmaps used: Fotmob

Footnote:

Special mention to Barbora Votíová who was loaned to us in January to help out with goalkeeping, thank you so much for your time at the club and helping out with goalkeeping whilst Manu was injured. Barbora you wear your heart on your selve for helping out at Arsenal so thank you and best of luck for you future.

Dear Meado, Manu, Katie, Laia, Naomi and Vic. Where do I begin with you lot aye, what is there to say without getting emotional at the fact you guys are leaving. So instead of an emotional goodbye, I want to look back and praise your time here at Arsenal.

Meado, Meado, Meado you won it all for Arsenal, WSL, FA Cups, Leauge cup, Champions Cup and of course UEFA Women's Champions League. What you have done for Arsenal has inspired a new generation of players coming through, it has helped girls inspire them to play football. You've broken WSL records, you've scored screamer after screamer and took down the Bridge (in the process), then on 24th May 2025, then in 74th minute Mariona passes the ball to you and You! Beth created one of the most important assists of your Arsenal career that won us the Champions League.

Manu, although I can't say first hand (as I wasn't an Arsenal fan... just yet ♥️🤍) but looking at the highlights of your 2021/2022 what a season to say the least you pull off incredible saves against Man City, Villa, Man United and of course 13 clean sheets winning the Golden glove, you are truly an amazing keeper not only ability, but with resilience and courage to keep going even through an ACL, Manu you are an inspiration to us all, that no matter how tough times may get we have to keep going and push forward.

Katie McCabe, my Katie, you are my favourite Arsenal player with you being the best Left Back ever, but also how you act on and off the pitch (espically in celebration) you remind me so much of my friends you truly make me laugh, excuse the language but I will miss your shithouse moments in WSL which always made me laugh and I'll miss your celebrations (which reminded me of Freddie Flintoff) 10 years at the club and you've achieved so much from WSL to Champions Leauge, you've shown stay true to yourself and speak your mind (unless it leads to a red) so thank you.

Codina, Wow! What a good few years the way you defend and helped Arsenal through the WSL to re qualify for the Champions Leauge to helping Arsenal score from set peices to helping Arsenal in the Champions Leauge, you have done so much for the club and more, you have shown the club to keep moving forward and to never give up, even when its over you showed to go and again and take, no for answer.

Naomi from Academy to European Champion, you have shown so much growth within a short time period, seeing you with the goalkeeping Union celebrating in Lisbon was beautiful to see. When you were loaned out then came back you took it with grace and decided to go again the maturity you have as a player is outstanding and whatever club you end up next, you will go far and beyond.

Vic, my goodness when we first signed you my eyes lit up with excitement you have been fantastic for Arsenal you where helping create chances, scoring goals you are such an incredible player. Like Meado, Manu; you showed so much resilience and determination to push through your ACL and never give up and you came back on that pitch mentally and phyiscally stronger. You are what needs to be in a player courage! Courage to come back from a knee injury! Courage to come back into Arsenal squad! Courage to never give up! Courage to help fight for the team in the Champions League! You are truly a courageous player.

Thank to you all for everything you do forever in our hearts, whatever the weather ♥️🤍

​

Starting XI: Domselaar, Fox, Williamson (24), Wubben-Moy, McCabe, Russo (31), Little (5), Mariona, Smith (21), Blackstenius (12), Foord .

Subs: Hinds (6), Maanum (25), Pelova (15), Codina (10), Holmberg (23).

The number represents subs that where brought on to replace the starting player.

Heatmaps used: Sofa-score.

Statistical data used: Flashscore

There is no post match analysis because I wasn't able to take notes, due to having back to back to back essays due, but the statistical data will follow on Arsenal's performance.

Statistical analysis:

Expected Goals (A) 1.79 - 0.44 (L), Possession (A) 50% - 50% (L), Big chances (A) 2 - 2 (L), Corner Kicks (A) 5 - 1 (L), Total shots (A) 16 - 6 (L), Shots on target (A) 5 - 1 (L), Shots off target (A) 8 - 3 (L), Duels won (A) 48 - 48 (L), Tackles (A) 54% - 57% (L), Interceptions (A) 8 - 9 (L), Goalkeeping saves (A) 0 - 4 (L), GK shots faced (A) 0.29 - 1.46 (L), Goals prevented (A) -0.71 - 0.46 (L)

SPECIAL MENTION AND THANKS TO North_Ad_5372 for providing an amazing post-match insight to Arsenal vs Lyon!