I just rewatched highlights from our final match: 4-3 vs Yanited. When it was live, I was "watching" on a phone in a car with no volume... trying to strike some sort of balance between footy & family. They of course would say it was imbalanced but ya know... Anyway, I was left with a few thoughts: 1. Good job gals earning 2nd place... we finished strongly. We "gave" the title to Chelsea with earlier losses & draws. 2. McCabe, who's been a consistent rock for us this season, playing virtually every minute AFAIK, but on this day made 2 crucial errors that allowed them to come back from 4-1 to 4-3... hopefully 2 weeks off before the big cup final will refresh her physically and mentally. 3. Zinzberger, although she did make one of the very best saves I've seen her do, which essentially earned us 3pts, also reminded me of why she lost her #1 spot. So although she's an above average #2, she's not really good enough any more for #1, especially against Barca. So I'm praying Van Domselaar is back to full fitness by Saturday... even 90+% might do. So, reminder to everyone that this final is worth a watch (DAZN/Youtube AFAIK). Odds are stacked against us but YNK!
Nerves are building... Today, just 2 days before the final, Arsenal.com finally put up a little pre-match content. Including training pics. And I'm happy to report that I saw everyone pictured that we'll need on Saturday, including Van Domselaar. Thought TBH I did not see any action shot of arguably our most important player: Caldentey. I also heard Stillman say that the team is not going to train in Lisbon, just do a last session at Colney and then fly out. I guess that's how they've generally done it, but since it's a big final I was wondering if they'd deviate. (no) He also said he didn't know but he hoped Josh would be there. Sadly I will not, but I gave it some very serious thought, even securing ticket(s). However it works out, it'd be nice if it were settled in regulation. Because if the gods dictate that it goes all the way to PK's I might have a bit a problem... having just been invited to golf at 3pm. And if you're in USA and don't have DAZN app, you can stream it on YouTube...
29' We've had 3 excellent chances in the box in the last 5 minutes or so. Evening up the balance of play a bit. Actually TBF we've had more close chances. COYG!!!!
In the last few mins, Barca have played balls over the top into our RB corner, after Emily Fox has been caught up the pitch. We've dealt with it with 2 brilliant defensive covers by Foord then Williamson. But this is a bit troubling.
HT ARS 0-0 BAR Decent half for us. Game is fairly evenly matched. But we've had to have a few too many things go our way in our own box. I kept thinking that a goal from Barca was imminent. I think we really should be a goal or two up. Not only did we have the chances but I'm a little concerned that with the heat there, and our having flown in at the last minute and not really acclimated, we might tire in 2T. But kudos to the gals so far. We've come out positive, confident and fighting. Keep that up!!!
It's been all Barca in the first 5 mins of 2T. They even hit the woodwork. We need to get back the momentum and style we had in 1T.
68' Stina on for (injured) Maanum, Mead on for Kelly who was playing a bit frustrated and just picked up a yellow. Russo should move back to 10-ish spot.
72' Russo with a great interception then run through the defense and a shot that forced a good save. So close! Followed by a quick counter by Barca that was headed 12" over the bar.
1-0! Stina! No way they rule this offside. Pleeeeeease! Two subs combining.... managerial brilliance of course!
Can we bunker for the last 15-20 mins? Will we try? Will we have any choice? Lots of questions. But we've certainly asked questions today of Barca.
Second half was dour until those subs came on. Completely changed the flow (and hopefully the outcome) of the match.
I'd say more "under the kosh" than "dour". But we did what we needed... we took a chance. So far Stina is the only one who has, of the 26 or so players on the pitch today. Kudos.
Great refereeing today. Letting a physical game play out. And generally keeping her whistle and her cards in her pocket. Meanwhile 86' and Hurtig replaced Foord. Hurtig?!!
HT ARS 1-0 BAR THAT'S IT!!! CAMPEONES, CAMPEONES, OLE, OLE, OLE! We played a great match. Not necessarily the best football ever. BUt it was against the best in the world. And we were tough, positive, confident. Defensively we made fantastic stops. And very few mistakes. The coach's first 2 subs combined for the trophy-winning goal. And we took our chance. Can't really ask for a whole lot more. I'm off to play golf shortly... with a smile on my face. Edit: and a tear
Ya think? I've never seen Slegers show so much joy & emotion. She's a pretty controlled, bottled-up person. But she better get some coach of the year award/s for what she did after taking over.
What a fantastic win. And I'd argue it wasn't just a smash and grab. We created some good counters even if Barca had the lion's share of the ball. I'd be curious but I bet the xG would be fairly even. Renee's subs were spot on, helped create danger but not a kitchen-sink type roll of the dice (to mix metaphors). And our defending was smart rather than desperate. Well deserved. Give that woman a pay raise! I also love that this all meant enough to the club that Josh was there.
What stood out to me was that it definitely helped to be able to bring on subs that are dangerous attacking threats. The men’s team has been lacking this for years.
I missed the game so had to check the score discreetely every few minutes. Great win for our ladies and the club.
Beautiful NORTH LONDON FOREVER 🎶 pic.twitter.com/PevIWN3T9n— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 24, 2025