After a 6-0 thriller against Rangers midweek, Arsenal looked to continue the Champion’s League comeback against Rosenborg BK. Due to their difference in league structure, Rosenborg are midseason. The Norwegian side find themselves 3rd in the Toppserien table, after 19 matches. Their spectacular penalty shootout saw them book a meeting with Arsenal in front of another packed out Meadow Park.
Whilst Arsenal widely dominated the game, goals were amiss. Old habits hadn’t vanished over the summer break, as the Gunners looked uncertain and unsettled by Rosenborg’s low block. However, Leonhardsen-Maanum’s first half goal was enough to see the Gunners through to the next round of qualifying.
The Lineups
ARS: Zinsberger, Fox, Codina, Williamson, McCabe, Little, Cooney-Cross, Foord, Leonhardsen-Maanum, Caldentey, Russo
ROS: Rulyte, Rogde, Harviken, Tomter, Dahl, Sørum, Magnúsdóttir, Marcussen, Berre, Holum, Nautnes
The Action
Arsenal were quick out of the blocks as the game commenced. Sharp and combining passes summed up the first five minutes from the Gunners.
A shot by Caldentey almost saw the back of the net for her debut goal, but was swung just wide. The game seemed to be much the same as Wednesday- fast and hard play to overpower the opponent.
Whilst Arsenal were dominant, glimpses of Rosenborg were seen throughout. In Arsenal’s defensive third, Rosenborg were quick to pressurise the backline. Attempts at creation were smothered by the dominant Arsenal.
Though it wasn’t long before Arsenal put themselves ahead. A shot from Caitlin Foord was initially saved by Rulyte, but the spill fell to Leonhardsen-Maanum, who shot it home to make it 1-0 to the Gunners.
Whilst aggressive and dominant, Arsenal’s hesitance against a very low block started to show. When passing into the box, the game would standstill, as the players assess how to get around Rosenborg’s defence. However, when they did get through, Rosenborg were forced into action and conceded a corner from a Leonhardsen-Maanum shot.
With Arsenal having freedom down both wings, opportunities came in abundance. Both McCabe with Caldentey, and Fox and Foord, respectively delivered down both wings, combining and overlapping well. But still, the end product lacked in the box, with Leonhardsen-Maanum, Caldentey, and Russo each having shots fired over the bar. Leonhardsen-Maanum’s goal was the difference at half-time.
The second half started with a bang. A Rosenborg counter attack left McCabe for dust, with Cooney-Cross’ sliding tackle saving the Gunners near the death.
Moments later, an outstanding save from Rulyte saw the scoreline remain at 1-0. The Arsenal pressure did not relent, a new found hunger for goals and speed lit up the opening of the second half.
As a continuous chant of ‘Shake it Caldentey’ rings around Meadow Park, Arsenal continue to dominate. Chances were created, but the Gunners finishing problem arose again. Arsenal’s relentless attack did see some chances sneak in for Rosenborg, but a well wide, over the goal shot was the most notable.
It can’t go unmentioned how well the Rosenborg goalkeeper was playing. At just 22, Rulyte recovered well from her spill for the first goal and was creating some incredible saves. A bright spark, she kept Rosenborg in the tie when her teammates were too focused on hugging the Arsenal attack.
Arsenal’s night could be summed up in the two chances around 70 minute mark. Aggressive play saw both Russo and Cooney-Cross hit the bar from range in a 30 second span. The introduction of Stina Blackstenius saw Russo drop into the 10, but the goals were still missing for Arsenal.
As time drew to a close, desperation never set in for Arsenal. Still the side were patient and timely in attack whilst Rosenborg never broke apart. There was a clear identity being formed in attack against low blocks. Whilst the mechanics were still being tested, it was good to see no desperate attempts were being introduced.
The Key Performers
Frida Leonhardsen-Maanum: With her goal being the only one at half time, it’s easy to see why she was a key player. But aside from her goal, the Norwegian was influential across the pitch. Her constant movement and closing down of the ball put Rosenborg off their tilt at times, forcing them into unwanted passes.
Laia Codina: Laia Codina has come into her own after returning from the Olympics. The centre-back was the first to every progressive pass from Rosenborg, once again. She, as well, was progressing well with the ball when the time called for it. Codina is becoming a standout defender for the Arsenal very quickly.
Mariona Caldentey: Caldentey is just the complete package. Sharp and smooth down the wing in attack, she adds a level of dynamic play that Arsenal have missed. Pulling into midfield to add numbers, as well a tracking back and defending, there is simply nothing to not like about the Spaniard.
A side that were at times too patient and hesitant against a low block, Arsenal placed themselves into the hat for the next round of qualifying with a 1-0 win over Rosenborg. Whilst questions are still in place around the answer to finishing issues, Arsenal better their Champion’s League finish from last season and live to see another day.
