Arsenal's Lisbon comeback: A tale of relief and room for improvement
Arsenal's return to Lisbon, the city of their Champions League glory, was a stark contrast to their previous visit. This time, the Gunners were seeking redemption after a lackluster start to the season, and their performance against Benfica in the Women's Champions League (WCL) left much to be desired, despite the victory.
Midfielder Mariona Caldentey's post-match comments were a stark reminder of the team's current state. She admitted that almost every aspect of their game needs improvement, especially their defensive consistency and converting chances into goals. But here's where it gets controversial—is it fair to place the burden of improvement on the entire team, or should individual players step up?
The match itself was a tense affair. Arsenal, despite dominating possession, struggled to find their rhythm and create clear-cut opportunities. The first half ended goalless, with both teams having their fair share of chances. But the second half brought a moment of chaos in Benfica's box, leading to Beth Mead's opener, a slow-rolling effort that crept over the line. And this is the part most people miss—the build-up to the goal was a rare moment of brilliance in an otherwise uninspiring performance.
Arsenal's woes continued as injuries plagued their defense, and Benfica grew in confidence as the game remained within reach. The introduction of Alessia Russo, who sealed the win with a late goal, provided a much-needed spark. But was it enough to silence the critics?
The final whistle brought relief to Arsenal, but the performance left room for debate. Manager Ivan Baptista praised his team's performance, but the result was a narrow win, and the Gunners will need to find their stride quickly.
What do you think? Was Arsenal's performance a cause for celebration or concern? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the team's prospects as they aim to regain their dominant form.
