Arsenal certified for the Champions League quarter-finals regardless of dropping 1-0 to Lyon on a bittersweet evening which additionally noticed Vivianne Miedema stretchered off in tears.
Frida Maanum’s personal aim simply earlier than half-time was sufficient to present eight-times winners Lyon victory however it’s the harm to Miedema which will probably be of most concern to Group C leaders Arsenal, who wanted solely to keep away from a four-goal defeat to qualify.
The WSL’s all-time main goalscorer was attended to by medical workers for a number of minutes in stoppage time on the finish of the primary half earlier than being taken off together with her leg absolutely strapped up.
“She was in numerous misery,” Rachel Corsie, who was waiting for Sky Sports activities Information, mentioned. “It seems to be to be a foul one.”
Eidevall ‘very involved’ by harm
Miedema, 26, had scored in her final 4 consecutive matches earlier than Thursday, having lately returned from a go away of absence to “relaxation and recharge”.
Arsenal are already with out England striker Beth Mead after the Ballon d’Or runner-up ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament.
Talking instantly after the match, head coach Jonas Eidevall mentioned he “didn’t know” how dangerous the harm was.
“I haven’t got any updates however proper now that takes numerous my ideas,” he added. “I am very involved over that, however we needed to keep targeted on the sport.
“After the sport we’re involved however [at half-time] we’re tremendous skilled, we do not let something take away our focus from what we’re doing.”
Disappointing evening regardless of qualification
Lyon had began brightly with Delphine Cascarino trying to stretch the house backline however Arsenal went shut from a nook within the twenty fourth minute when Lotte Wubben-Moy headed over.
The Gunners pressed once more in direction of the tip of the primary half as Katie McCabe’s cross in direction of the again publish was simply too far in entrance of Caitlin Foord.
Lyon gamers have a good time following Arsenal’s Frida Maanum’s personal aim
Lyon took the lead in first-half stoppage time when a deep free-kick into the Arsenal penalty space was nodded throughout the six-yard field by Cascarino and Maanum diverted the ball into the online for an personal aim.
Issues acquired worse for Arsenal earlier than the break when Miedema went down with what seemed to be a critical knee harm after touchdown awkwardly as she challenged for a free ball.
Miedema was in tears as she was carried off
Brazilian defender Rafaelle Souza got here on to exchange Miedema for the second half, with England captain Leah Williamson pushing up right into a midfield position.
Arsenal made a constructive begin as McCabe acquired into the suitable facet of the penalty space and fired in a low, angled drive which Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler held at her close to publish.
On the different finish, Lyon substitute Eugenie Le Sommer fired a cutback from Cascarino straight at Arsenal ‘keeper Manuela Zinsberger.
The Gunners continued to press for an equaliser however had been unable to open up a decided Lyon line of defense.
Within the last minute, Lina Hurtig noticed her shot cleared off the road following a nook, with Lyon ‘keeper Endler then making an necessary save down at her close to publish from Stina Blackstenius’ follow-up effort.
What’s subsequent?
Arsenal will qualify as Group C winners in the event that they keep away from defeat to Zurich subsequent week and Juventus both beat Lyon or draw. If Lyon beat Juventus, Arsenal will even must win towards Zurich to undergo as group winners.
