Jonas Eidevall had the pleasure of returning to his home country to get familiar with his new Arsenal squad as they progressed to the next stage of this season’s Champions League qualification.
A 3-0 win over Swedish side Linkoping came courtesy of a team blended with new signings and players returning from World Cup duty and injuries alike. Alessia Russo and Cloe Lacasse made their debuts at centre-forward and right wing respectively, with Caitlin Foord completing the front three on the left. Individually, the new duo showed their quality in flashes over the first hour of the game rather than being constant threats, as Arsenal had to work off their collective rust.
The first glimpse of those qualities came within minutes. Lacasse continued a slick move up Arsenal’s right with a first-time pass inside for Russo, who was dropping deep to receive the ball on the turn. The attack flowed through the centre of the pitch and was only halted by an overhit Frida Maanum pass aimed for Foord. A minute later, Russo was receiving the ball under pressure with her back to goal, spinning her marker and then finding Lacasse out wide for her to get a shot on goal.
Three debuts for The Arsenal! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sKzrh7kTDX
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) September 6, 2023
These moments…
