Arsenal Women Suffer Champions League Setback Against Lyon

Arsenal Women player ratings reflected a disappointing night as the Gunners suffered a 2-1 defeat to Lyon in their opening Champions League group stage match. Despite a lightning-fast start at Meadow Park, Arsenal could not capitalize and saw their winless run extended to four games.

Arsenal Women Player Ratings: Early Promise Fades

Arsenal Women opened the scoring in just the seventh minute through Alessia Russo. Her instinctive finish, created by Beth Mead’s exceptional footwork, gave the home fans hope that the Gunners would mark their European title defence with a statement win. However, that optimism was short-lived.

Lyon responded quickly, pressuring the Arsenal backline with relentless attacking play. The equalizer came from Melchie Dumornay, who pounced after a misplaced pass from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. The Haitian star was a constant threat, and her second goal—an unstoppable strike from 20 yards—put Lyon ahead before halftime.

Champions League Blow: Arsenal Women’s Defensive Struggles

After Dumornay’s brace, Lyon continued to dominate, carving out several chances as Arsenal’s defence was repeatedly tested. Van Domselaar redeemed herself with a series of impressive saves, particularly a double stop just before the interval. Despite her heroics in goal, Arsenal struggled to create clear opportunities, with Mariona Caldentey’s shot and Caitlin Foord’s late effort being the closest they came to scoring again.

Winless Run Continues: Gunners Face Tough Questions

This defeat means Arsenal Women have now gone four matches without a victory, having drawn with Manchester United and Aston Villa before losing to Manchester City and Lyon. It’s the first time since January 2022 that the Gunners have endured such a barren spell. Head coach Renee Slegers is not under immediate pressure, but there is a clear need for Arsenal to regain momentum if they hope to compete at the highest level this season.

Arsenal Women’s Player Ratings

– **Daphne van Domselaar:** 5/10 – Mixed performance; critical error for Lyon’s opener, but several vital saves.
– **Steph Catley:** 6/10 – Solid defensively, struggled against Lyon’s swift attacks.
– **Leah Williamson:** 6/10 – Leadership evident, but Lyon’s pressing caused issues.
– **Lotte Wubben-Moy:** 5/10 – At times composed, yet Lyon’s movement exposed frailties.
– **Noelle Maritz:** 6/10 – Committed performance, lacked attacking output.
– **Kim Little:** 6/10 – Tried to control midfield, often outnumbered.
– **Frida Maanum:** 6/10 – Worked hard, unable to influence the game.
– **Beth Mead:** 7/10 – Created Russo’s goal, Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat.
– **Alessia Russo:** 7/10 – Scored early, isolated thereafter.
– **Mariona Caldentey:** 6/10 – One decent effort, struggled for service.
– **Caitlin Foord:** 6/10 – Energetic, almost scored late on.

Arsenal Women’s Champions League Ambitions Under Threat

Arsenal Women have experienced a tough start to their Champions League campaign and must regroup quickly to keep their European hopes alive. Lyon’s experienced squad exposed Arsenal’s current vulnerabilities, particularly when playing out from the back and maintaining defensive composure. With fixtures coming thick and fast—including a crucial Women’s Super League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion—Renee Slegers’ team needs to rediscover their winning touch and reestablish their confidence.

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Opinion: Arsenal Must Show Resilience

This defeat is a wake-up call for Arsenal Women. The early goal demonstrated their attacking quality, but sustaining momentum and defensive concentration against Europe’s elite remains a challenge. Slegers must rally her squad, address the errors, and inspire a response if Arsenal is to return to winning ways and keep their Champions League dream alive.