Arsenal Women vs Juventus: Player Ratings - Gunners Dominate in Champions League Opener
Arsenal Women began their UEFA Women's Champions League campaign with a resounding 4-0 victory over Juventus, showcasing their dominance at Meadow Park. Here's a breakdown of the player ratings:
Arsenal:
- Manuela Zinsberger (8/10): A reliable presence in goal, Zinsberger commanded her area well and made a crucial save in the first half to deny Juventus.
- Noelle Maritz (7/10): Energetic and dynamic down the right flank, Maritz provided constant attacking threat, delivering dangerous crosses and demonstrating impressive pace.
- Leah Williamson (8/10): A rock at the heart of the Arsenal defense, Williamson was imperious throughout, winning tackles, intercepting passes, and dictating the rhythm of the game.
- Rafaelle Souza (7/10): Strong in the air and a composed presence in the backline, Rafaelle formed a formidable partnership with Williamson, ensuring Juventus rarely threatened.
- Steph Catley (7/10): Catley provided a solid defensive presence on the left and contributed significantly to Arsenal's attacking build-up, displaying her usual composure and pinpoint passing.
- Frida Maanum (8/10): Pulled the strings in midfield, dictating the pace and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Maanum's range of passing and intelligent movement made her a constant threat.
- Kim Little (8/10): An absolute maestro in the middle of the park, Little controlled the tempo, orchestrated attacks with precision passes, and showcased her leadership qualities.
- Katie McCabe (9/10): A constant menace for the Juventus defense, McCabe was a whirlwind of energy, delivering incisive passes, creating chances, and scoring a stunning volley for the opener.
- Caitlin Foord (8/10): Dangerous in attack, Foord caused havoc with her pace and directness. She was a constant threat and played a crucial role in Arsenal's second goal.
- Stina Blackstenius (7/10): Powerful and clinical in front of goal, Blackstenius netted twice in the second half, proving her importance as a goal scorer.
- Beth Mead (7/10): An energetic presence in the final third, Mead linked up effectively with her teammates, creating chances and contributing to Arsenal's attacking dominance.
Juventus:
- Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (5/10): Had little chance against Arsenal's relentless attack, Peyraud-Magnin made a few saves but was ultimately helpless as Juventus struggled to contain the onslaught.
- Lisa Boattin (6/10): Worked hard on the right side of the Juventus defense, but found it difficult to cope with the pace and movement of Arsenal's attackers.
- Gloria Marinelli (5/10): Struggled to contain the attacking threat posed by McCabe and Foord, making several errors that contributed to Arsenal's goals.
- Sara Gama (6/10): Experienced and organized at the back, Gama tried to rally her team, but Juventus' defensive vulnerabilities were evident throughout.
- Agnese Bonfantini (6/10): Worked tirelessly in midfield, attempting to break up Arsenal's attacks, but ultimately had little impact on the game.
- Valentina Cernoia (5/10): Failed to exert much influence on the game, lacking the creativity and incisiveness to challenge the Arsenal defense.
- Barbara Bonansea (5/10): Struggled to get into the game, isolated in attack and unable to find a way to create scoring opportunities.
- Cristiana Girelli (5/10): Offered little threat upfront, failing to get into good scoring positions and struggling to hold onto possession.
- Sofia Cantore (6/10): Showed glimpses of promise on the left wing, but lacked the consistency and quality to create a significant impact.
- Arianna Caruso (6/10): Worked hard in midfield, but Juventus' inability to control the tempo and dominate possession made it difficult for her to influence the game.
- Lindsey Thomas (5/10): Had limited impact after coming on as a substitute, unable to turn the tide for Juventus.
Overall: Arsenal were simply too strong for Juventus, showcasing their dominance with a convincing 4-0 victory. Their attacking prowess, combined with a solid defensive performance, made them clear winners in this Champions League opener.