European Championship Qualifying Round-Up

Over the last week or so, the UEFA Euro 2021 (or 2022 as it should now read!) qualifiers resumed. Impetus editor Ben Gilby rounds up all the action in each of the groups.

Netherlands remain in charge at the top of Group A, standing nine points clear of second placed Slovenia after the latest round of matches over the past ten days.

The Dutch returned from Moscow on 18th September from a potentially tricky game against Russia with a 1-0 win thanks to Jill Roord – in red hot scoring form at present – who struck after a quarter of an hour. Elsewhere, Slovenia kept up their pursuit of a play-off spot with a 3-1 win at home to Turkey, who remain bottom. Gulbin Hiz gave the Turks a shock early lead, but Mateja Zver’s 28th minute penalty levelled the scores before goals from Lara Prasnikar and Spela Kolbl turned things around. Also still winless in the group are Estonia after they succumbed to a 2-0 loss in Kosovo with Kaltrina Biqkaj scoring both goals. On 22nd September, Russia jumped into second spot on goal difference from Slovenia with a 3-0 win over Estonia in a match played in Latvia. Darya Yakovleva, Natalya Mashina and Nelli Vitalyevna Korovkina weighed in with the goals. The Russians have a game in hand on third placed Slovenia in the race for the play-off spot.

Group B is now a two-way battle for the automatic qualification and the play-off spots. Leaders Italy’s game against Israel on 17th September was postponed with no new date available as yet. On the same night, second placed Denmark gained a hugely important 4-0 win in Zenica against third placed Bosnia & Herzegovina. Nadia Nadim, Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen, Rikke Laentver Sevecke and Nanna Christiansen were on the mark.  Five days later Italy effectively killed off Bosniz Herzegovina’s hopes of second place with a straightforward 5-0 win in Zenica. Cristiana Girelli’s hat-trick and goals from Aurora Galli and Elena Linari sealed the important win. Denmark went top on goal difference with a comprehensive 8-0 win in Malta. Two goals from Nadia Nadim and Sanne Troelsgaard set the Danes on the way with Stine Larsen, Pernille Harder, Sofie Junge Pedersen and Signe Kalesoe Bruun grabbing one apiece. Who wins the group and who goes into the play-offs will be decided by the home and away battles between the Danes and Italians in the coming months.

Above: Norway (in red) gained a 1-0 win over a battling Wales outfit in Group C. Photo: @Cymru

On 18th September, Northern Ireland kept alive their hopes of the play-off spot in Group C with a 6-0 win in the Faroe Islands. Two goals from Simone Magill and Lauren Wade plus one apiece from Rachel Furness and Kirsty McGuinness sealed the win. The big showdown in the group on 22nd September in Oslo between the top two saw Norway just about hold off a determined Welsh outfit to record a 1-0 win. Wales competed well in the early stages before Norway took the lead after an unfortunate goalkeeping error from Laura O’Sullivan. From a corner, Caroline Graham Hansen fed Guru Reiten on the edge of the box. The Chelsea star curled an effort from the edge of the box which O’Sullivan attempted to punch, but missed the ball and it flew over the top of her into the net. Wales created chances to gain a famous point, but the home side gained the three points. Belarus joined Northern Ireland in the hunt to overtake Wales in second after a 2-0 win in the Faroe Islands. Anastasiya Shlapakova and Karina Olkhovik were on the scoresheet. Norway are now virtually guaranteed to gain the automatic qualification spot thanks to their seven point cushion. However the race for the play-off berth is hotting up with second placed Wales just two points ahead of Northern Ireland and three ahead of fourth placed Belarus.

The arm-wrestle at the top of Group D continues with only two points separating first from third. Czech Republic held then group leaders Poland 0-0 in Chomutov on 18th September. Spain took advantage of the result to leap frog into top spot by two points after a 9–0 win demolition of Moldova in Chisinau the following night. Mariona Caldentey grabbed a hat-trick, Lucia Garcia Cordoba hit two, with Jennifer Hermoso, Alba Maria Redondo, Patricia Guijarro and an own goal from Anastasia Sivolobova completing the rout.  The Poles and the Czechs played their return match on 22nd September and it was the Czech Republic who gained a vital victory – 2-0 in Bielsko Biala. Andrea Staskova and Kamila Dubcova grabbed the goals.

There was no action in Group E. Qualifiers in this group resume on 22nd October.

In Group F, Sweden and Iceland remain comprehensively clear of the rest. On 17th September, the Swedes remained on top on goal difference after an 8-0 thrashing of Hungary in Gothenburg. Anna Anvegard’s hat-trick, two from Lina Hurtig plus one each from Chelsea’s Magda Eriksson, Amanda Ilestedt and Linda Sembrant earned the win. Iceland went one better by crushing Latvia 9-0 in Reyjkavik. The goals came courtesy of a Dagny Brynjarsdottir hat-trick, Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir (2) and Karlina Miksone (OG), Alexandre Johansdottir and Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir completed the rout. Five days later the top two went head to head in Reykjavik. The Swedes took a 34th minute lead through Anna Elin Anvegard, but Elin Mette Jensen’s leveller for the Icelanders kept their dreams of top spot alive. Hungary gained their second win of the qualification period thanks to a 5-0 win over rock bottom Latvia. Dora Zeller and Lilla Turanyi got two apiece with Sara Tusztai scoring one.

Above: Iceland and Sweden battle it out in Reykjavik. Photo: @svenskfotboll

France continued to haul in Austria at the top of Group G after a 2-0 win in Serbia on 18th September. Andela Frajtovic’s own goal and a strike from Amel Majri earned the three points. On 22nd September, they continued to up the pressure with a 7-0 thrashing of North Macedonia in Skopje. Eugenie Le Sommer and Elisa de Almeida both grabbed braces with Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Marion Torrent and Viviane Asseyi completing the rout. Austria kept their noses ahead in top spot with a 5-0 win in Kazakhstan. Barbara Dunst hit two goals with Verena Aschauer, Sarah Puntingam and Nicole Billa (penalty) also on target. The top two, France and Austria go head to head in the next set of group games in a month’s time.

Group H has taken some dramatic twists and turns over the past ten days. On 18th September after Switzerland were held 1-1 in Zapresic against Croatia which looked to put a major dent in their hopes of finishing top. Ivana Rudelic gave the Croats, who have only won one qualifier so far, an early lead. Ramona Bachmann rescued the Swiss from embarrassment with a 74th minute leveller, but hopes of automatic qualification now look difficult. This is due to leaders Belgium slamming six goals past Romania to move two points clear at the top of the table. Tessa Wullaert’s hat-trick, plus goals from Janice Cayman, Elena Dhont and Justine Vanhaevermaet won them the game. Laura Roxana Rus got a consolation strike for the Romanians. Four days later Switzerland renewed their dreams of winning the group with a massively important 2-1 win over Belgium in Thun. Malin Gut and Alisha Lehmann put the home side 2-0 up. Tessa Wullaert got one goal back for the Belgians. The Swiss are now top by a point. The two team face each other again in November on the final matchday of the group – and what a mouth-watering prospect that will be. Romania won only their second game of the group after dispatching Croatia 4-1. Ivana Rudelic put the Croats ahead but they were swamped by goals from Iva Landeka, Maria Batea, Andrea Herczeg and Laura Roxana Rus.

Finally to Group I where Ukraine won their first qualifier at the fourth attempt with a 3-1 win away to rock bottom Montenegro on 18th September. Daryna Apanaschenko, Nadiia Kunina and Sladana Bulatovic’s own goal earned the success. Medina Desic was on target for Montenegro – their first goal in the qualifying campaign in their fifth match. A day later the top two met in Essen and the Germans saw off Republic of Ireland 3-0. Marina Hegering, Dzsenifer Marozsan and Lea Schuller’s goals condemned the Irish to their first defeat in qualifying. On 22nd September, Germany went five points clear at the top with a 3-0 win in Montenegro thanks to goals from Laura Freigang, Melanie Leupolz and Sydney Lohmann. Ukraine won their second qualifier on the bounce after brushing aside Greece 4-0. Nicole Kozlova grabbed two with Darya Kravets and Daryna Apanaschenko also on target.

Dulwich Delight After Maiden Season

Last season saw the emergence of Dulwich Hamlet Women in the London and South-East Premier (Tier Five) and, as well as pushing strongly at the top of the league before lockdown, they were creating headlines for their consistently high crowd figures. Impetus editor Ben Gilby spoke to Dulwich Hamlet Women’s first team manager Ryan Dempsey and women’s press officer Hugo Greenhalgh to find out about how they achieved it all.


Our conversation began by discussing the club’s evolution last summer. Hugo Greenhalgh tells the story: “The genesis of Dulwich Hamlet Women’s was a combination of the club wanting its own women’s side, and existing side AFC Phoenix seeking a merger. Phoenix had become an established South London side over the past decade but having seen other clubs in their division merge with men’s clubs, were after a move that would help them continue their progression. They were playing at the Edward Alleyn Club, a playing field in Dulwich, so coming to Dulwich Hamlet was a logical fit. The two parties also felt there was a natural overlap of values, particularly around the club’s work with the LGBTQ community. The Women’s team has now been active at Dulwich for just over a year now and we’re really proud with how they’ve performed.”

Hamlet had an excellent first season competing in the London & South-East Premier and prior to lockdown were top of the table, two points clear of Queen’s Park Rangers who had two games in hand. Promotion to the FA Women’s National League in their first season was a real possibility before the pandemic intervened.

Above: Dulwich Hamlet Women first team coach Ryan Dempsey. Photo: Ollie Jarman.

First team coach Ryan Dempsey explained how the squad overcame big barriers off the pitch to enjoy success on it. “I wasn’t part of the merger from AFC Phoenix to Dulwich as I started with the team in late September, early October. Farouk Menia, who was the manager, friend, father figure and an all-round gentleman, sadly lost his battle with cancer and passed away in November 2019. The players had played for, partied and laughed with Farouk for a number of years so his passing hit everyone every hard. All of the players are fantastic people, on the back of losing a dear friend they still welcomed me in and helped me join their family. They listened and responded well to my own coaching style and philosophy.”

“Training was difficult as we trained in White City (up to an hour away from Dulwich in busy London traffic) and finished at 10pm on the two nights we did train. Some players weren’t getting home until 11.30pm. But this shows the commitment to the club and to each other.  In terms of performance the away fixture to QPR was a low as we conceded two goals in the 90th and 92nd minute to lose 2-1. But there was really good performances against QPR at home 2-0, away to Fulham winning 3-4 (it should have been more comfortable but we showed great resilience to recover being 2-0 up to losing 3-2, to then go on and win 3-4) and we beat Leyton Orient from the FA Women’s National League 1-0 to get to the Semi-Final of the Capital Cup (the Final was cancelled due to Covid-19).”

Pre-lockdown, Dulwich Hamlet were playing all home games at the men’s home ground, Champion Hill, recording some fantastic attendances that some clubs three or four leagues higher would be jealous of. I asked Hugo how this was achieved from a standing start.

“We already have a reputation in the local area as a family-friendly, community club. When the Women’s team launched, a core of our support quickly got on board and have been instrumental in welcoming them to Champion Hill. It helps that the team play really attractive football and are good at engaging with families and fans after every game, home and away. It’s great that we’re now getting crowds between 200 and 300 on Sundays. Like you say, there are clubs further up the pyramid who’d be delighted with those numbers. But I’d like to see us do better. Those numbers are only about 10% of what we get at a men’s game. I’d like to see more fans of the men’s team get behind the women’s team this season.” 

We then turned our focus towards the new campaign. Ryan Dempsey assessed the London and South-East Premier for 2020/21 and highlighted the fact that: “The division has become stronger, most of the teams have made some really good signings. Players that have experience playing in higher divisions have dropped down. It will be a really competitive league.”

He also identified the more challenging aspects of the tier five division: “The distances of the teams is quite sparse with away games to Eastbourne and Saltdean. You can go a couple weeks without matches as some venues suffer during the winter months. Cups also take priority so fixtures can change at the last minute. Not all clubs can host midweek fixtures which would help during the more weather affected months of the year, so that you can play two games in a week.” 

The squad are keen though to build on their hugely impressive first season by pushing on this time round: “Given where we finished last season, we know that promotion is a realistic target for this side,” said Hugo Greenhalgh.

“From our encounters with Leyton Orient in the Cup competitions, we know we’re not far off the standard required for the FA Women’s National League Division One South. That said, there are some decent sides up there – the likes of Ipswich Town and AFC Wimbledon – and it would be a big challenge.”

“Last season we had the best defence in the league, but we didn’t score enough goals. That’s a great base to build on this year and the signing of striker Sophie Manzi from AFC Wimbledon already looks like a great acquisition for us.” 

Above: Dulwich Hamlet Women on the attack last season. Photo: Ollie Jarman.


First team manager Ryan Dempsey also highlighted the pathway for players joining the club to make their way towards first team football at Champion Hill: “As well as the first team that play in the London & South East Regional Women’s Premier League we have a reserve side that play in the Greater London Women’s Football League Division One. There is a pathway between both squads, there are a couple of players that train with the firsts with the aim of trying to get them more experience playing at a higher level, with a couple of reserve players progressing to make their debuts last season.”  

Dempsey also highlighted future plans that the club have to develop girl’s and women’s football further: “With Dulwich Hamlet winning planning permission to build a new ground, the hope is to build and develop the female section within the club. Having access to an astro pitch will help and offer opportunities for extra female provision but will also help the community as a whole.  There were talks regarding creating a Development squad (u21s) before Covid-19 but I think that won’t be realistic until the 2021/22 season if there aren’t any more lockdowns.”

The mention of Covid 19 brought our discussion seamlessly towards the challenges that face the South London side both on and off the pitch at present. Dempsey identified the fact that: “The merger (with AFC Phoenix) was completed quite late last August so we still don’t have all the processes in place that I want and need to help us be successful on the pitch. Training in West London wasn’t ideal last season but that has now been sorted and we’re back in South East London. Little things like the kit – it’s a male kit so the socks are massive and can be pulled up to most player’s hips! The shorts are also massive and most players roll them up. It’s not just Dulwich but most clubs have this issue.  Additionally, recruitment of players can be a challenge, getting into South East London for training and fixtures can put a lot of players off as it adds time to their already busy day.”  


There is no doubt that the standing and reputation that the men’s side of Dulwich Hamlet have both on and off the pitch has assisted in the visibility of the women’s club – but I wondered what the extent of the off pitch relationship was like. Hugo Greenhalgh explained: “Reflecting on the first season with the women’s team, I think there’s so much scope to have a closer relationship between Dulwich’s men’s and women’s sides. Unfortunately, this summer would’ve been a great opportunity to trial something like a double header pre-season game, but for obvious reasons that’s not been possible. We’re also having conversations about some integrated training sessions and more sharing of knowledge.”

Finally we looked slightly further into the future at where both Ryan and Hugo believe women’s football at Dulwich Hamlet and more generally could develop. For Dempsey, “Long term investment in the women’s game is going to be the only way that it will continue to develop and grow. If you look at the top of the WSL with Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal they have continually supported their women’s sides with finance but also the infrastructure around training (full-time), support staff, social media and advertisement. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have done the same and look how quickly they have progressed.  The FA missed a massive chance to showcase the WSL and Championship during lockdown. I don’t know the actual figures but if the FA had helped support the testing needed to ensure the safety of the players then the remaining fixtures could have been played and viewed by millions of people bored at home wanting to watch football!”

In terms of the growth of the game, Dulwich’s first team manager believes: “I think there will need to be investment in the Championship as it’s still majority part-time players and the gap in quality (mainly due to WSL being pro so training twice as much with better support staff) is already big and it’s only going to get bigger. Female participation is growing and growing as there are role models on the TV, via social media and is accessible. There still isn’t enough provision for females to play all ages and across different variety of levels. Hopefully in five years Dulwich will have a Development Team (U21s), and plans are in place to offer provision to females from U7s above. The plan is to continue to try and get the first team into the National League and grow from there.”

As for Hugo Greenhalgh, the women’s press officer emphasises the importance of establishing themselves as a top side at their existing level before pushing forward and offering ambitious youngsters a place to play top quality football: “We want to remain competitive at our level and challenge for a place further up the pyramid. I’d also love to go on a bit of a run in the FA Cup and draw a professional club at home at Champion Hill. For me the main thing is that a girl growing up in South London can now fulfil her dream of one day putting on a pink and blue Dulwich Hamlet shirt. It would be great to keep inspiring local girls and getting them more involved in the club.”

Above: Dulwich Hamlet Women had plenty to celebrate last season. Photo: Ollie Jarman.

The club have also announced that season ticket holders for the men’s side will gain admission to all women’s matches at Champion Hill free of charge once the present restrictions can be lifted. This news, allied with a desire by everyone to get back watching football again can only see Dulwich Hamlet women’s already impressive crowds growing further. On top of this, a strong, ambitious group of players and staff mark this club out as one that are in a good place to climb further in their second season of existence. 

Champions On Cloud Nine

Chelsea 9-0 Bristol City

By Ben Gilby

The reigning Barclays FA Women’s Super League side produced a quite phenomenal display of passing, movement and finishing as they dominated a limited Bristol City side at Kingsmeadow.

Whilst Chelsea were criticised for an inability to take their chances in front of goal against both Manchester sides over the past two weekends, there is no doubt they put that right this time round.

City came into the game on the back of a 4-0 reversal to Everton last week, and their starlet Ebony Salmon could only make the bench after picking up a slight injury in training.

For Chelsea, Beth England made her first start of the season and Ann-Katrin Berger returned in goal after missing last weekend’s trip to Leigh to face Manchester United.

The West Country side were bravely set up to press high but, despite the opening ten minutes being somewhat cagey, Chelsea, attacking the Kingston Road End, were still on the front foot with Beth England firing over the bar after five minutes.

Home skipper Magda Eriksson played a beautiful cross field ball into Fran Kirby with the Lioness playing in Ji who in turn fed Melanie Leupolz, but her effort was just wide.

On the fifteen minute mark, Chelsea went ahead, although there was a slice of luck about it. Erin Cuthbert rolled a pass across the ‘D’ which was met first time by Kirby. Her shot took a bounce in front of Bristol City keeper Sophie Baggaley who could then only fumble the ball over the line.

The Blues could have doubled their lead four minutes later when a corner produced a comedy of errors inside the City penalty area. Somehow the visitors survived as Millie Bright mishit her effort.

Chelsea were now in total control and produced a patient, probing passing game that fitted their creative attackers perfectly. The pressure forced a free kick on the 27th minute after Kirby was felled by Ella Mastrantonio. Ji’s effort was saved well by Baggaley.

However, just three minutes later, it was 2-0 as Ji was played in beautifully and fouled by Charlie Wellings. Maren Mjelde stepped up and dispatched the penalty with confidence.

This was the start of four goals in ten minutes. The next one arrived on 33 minutes. Sam Kerr played in Hannah Blundell who was brought down unnecessarily by Flo Allen near the left hand corner flag with Blundell going nowhere. Cuthbert’s ball in was met with a stunning thumping header from Melanie Leupolz which was unstoppable.

Cuthbert was rewarded for her pinpoint crossing when she grabbed a goal of her own with nine minutes of the half remaining. Bright found the Scottish Terrier in the ‘D’ and in acres of space. A quick piece on control was followed by a powerful shot which Baggaley couldn’t reach.

There was still time for a further Chelsea goal before the break. Cuthbert left a free-kick on the right for Maren Mjelde. The Norwegian swung the ball in and Millie Bright ran across the front of the Bristol City defence for another free header which flew in. It was 5-0 at half-time and clearly a matter of how many more Chelsea would add in the second period.

Above: Plenty for Chelsea to celebrate this afternoon. Photo: @ChelseaFCW

Over the half-time break, City head coach Tanya Oxtoby notably shook up the way she wanted her side to defend, this time encouraging them to sit a lot deeper, and for the first twenty minutes of the second half it disrupted Chelsea’s forward flow.

It took until the 63rd minute for the hosts to fashion their next goal scoring opportunity when Erin Cuthbert’s shot was deflected for a corner on the left. The Scot took the flag kick herself and found Melanie Leupolz but Sophie Baggaley did well to hold the German’s drive.

Just two minutes later, Chelsea got the scoreboard moving again. Ji played a lovely ball out to Hannah Blundell. Her cross was juggled by Baggaley and it fell to Beth England who simply doesn’t miss from that close out.

Pernille Harder then came on and was in the action straight away. The Dane took the ball into the box and hit a low effort which Baggaley palmed across the goal for Niamh Charles to tap home her first Chelsea goal on her competitive debut.

Four minutes later Harder stamped her class well and truly on the match. Sam Kerr, Niamh Charles and Pernille Harder were afforded all the space they wanted by Bristol City. Kerr combined with Charles and the youngster found Harder who produced a sumptuous flick with her hindmost foot into the net.

Less than sixty seconds later it was almost eight when Magda Eriksson found Kerr free in the centre of the box but her powerful header came back off of the bar.

With four minutes to go, the Aussie completed the rout with a lovely strike which came after she cut inside, rounded a defender with ease and comfortably hit a shot past Baggaley.

Nine goals for Chelsea and nine different goal scorers. This was a display of the highest quality and one which will leave the Blues fans smiling for days. However, we are only in the second week of the season and already huge score lines are becoming a regular thing. The FAWSL is already one division with three separate levels of teams within it and increasingly the gap between the three sub levels is growing.

Teams: CHELSEA: Berger, Mjelde, Bright, Eriksson, Blundell, Ji, Leupolz, Cuthbert, England, Kirby, Kerr. Substitutes: Thorisdottir, Ingle (not used), Carter, Reiten (Not used), Fleming, Charles, Harder, Spence, Telford (GK – not used)

Scorers: Kirby 15, Mjelde pen 30, Leupolz 33, Cuthbert 36, Bright 40, England 65, Charles 69, Harder 73, Kerr 86.

BRISTOL CITY: Baggaley, Allen, Matthews, Evans, Purfield, Humphrey, Logarzo, Palmer, Mastrantonio, Daniels, Wellings. Substitutes: Bryson, Rafferty, Salmon, Haland (GK – not used), Bissell, Wilson (not used), Layzell (not used), Jones (not used).

Referee: Stacey Pearson.

United Step It Up To Earn Deserved Point

Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea

By Ben Gilby

A strong second half performance from Manchester United enabled the Red Devils to record a well-earned point against the defending Barclays FA Women’s Super League champions Chelsea.

The current respective strength in depth of the two sides was evident with a pre-match glance at the team sheets. Chelsea could afford to name Pernille Harder, Beth England, Erin Cuthbert and Hannah Blundell as substitutes. They also welcomed back Carly Telford in goal after injury.

Chelsea dominated possession in the early spells – carefully probing and patiently waiting for spaces to emerge for the killer pass. Jonna Andersson’s ball in was put out by Katie Zelem to give the visitors the first corner after just three minutes, but Guru Reiten’s effort was dealt with comfortably.

It was United that put together the first opportunity with six minutes gone. Jane Ross cut in and rounded Maren Mjelde to loft a shot narrowly wide of Carly Telford’s left hand post.

The home side gradually settled and, whilst offering little as an attacking threat, got a foothold of possession; having a spoiling effect on the freedom Chelsea began with.

Sam Kerr went close for Chelsea just before the twenty minute mark. The Australian took a through ball, muscled between Millie Turner and Kirsty Smith, but her effort was deflected narrowly wide. The resulting corner saw Mary Earps hold Reiten’s effort.

Chelsea got the lead their opening efforts deserved and it was a delightful build up involving three of the Blues key attacking stars after 25 minutes. Ji fed Kirby on the right. The Lioness played in an inch perfect ball in to Kerr to slide in to score a trademark goal.

Above: Sam Kerr celebrates her goal for Chelsea this afternoon. Photo: @ChelseaFCW

The Aussie almost added another when she eased away from Zelem and was just centimetres wide with her shot.

United worked hard to reduce Chelsea’s momentum and were generally successful after the half hour mark, but it was a double-edged sword. The home side had more possession but struggled to do anything with it when they approached the final third.

In contrast, Chelsea’s creativity fashioned another impressive move as Kerr popped up in centre midfield and played in Ji who fed Melanie Leupolz. The German international combined with Sophie Ingle and Kirby was then away down the left. The ball in was accurate once more, but slightly higher than Kerr would have liked in order to get a powerful enough header on.

As the first half entered its final stages, Ji combined once more with Sam Kerr. The South Korean lofted in a beautiful inch perfect ball from the left wing right into Kerr’s run down the centre. Earps did well to hold the Matildas captain’s shot.

The final opportunity of the opening forty-five fell to United as Kirsty Hanson’s cross found Leah Galton whose effort came back off of the bar.

Galton fashioned the first chance in the second half having been played in by Ella Toone but the Blues defence snuffed out the danger as they continued their efforts in rapidly closing down any space and opportunity that the Red Devils could create.

Chelsea responded instantly with Guru Reiten on the left combining with Maren Mjelde. The ball in to Sam Kerr was superb, but Kerr, under pressure from Abbie McManus forced her effort over the bar.

United created again when Ona Batlle played in Ella Toone who forced Carly Telford to tip a fierce effort over the bar. The home side continued to build possession with Batlle looking particularly impressive, but United never quite managed to produce the top quality final ball to bother the reigning champions.

Chelsea fashioned a rare second half opportunity when Fran Kirby ran in from the right and played an intelligent ball across the outside of the box to Erin Cuthbert, and the substitute hit her effort against the legs of the onrushing Mary Earps. Seconds later Earps denied Cuthbert again from point blank range after the Scot was teed up by Beth England.

Those missed chances returned to haunt the visitors as United’s efforts were rewarded by levelling with eleven minutes left.  Jackie Groenen galloped down the right and played in a beautiful ball for Leah Galton to beat her defender to smash home.

Chelsea responded by bringing on Pernille Harder for Guru Reiten, but United still pushed on. Lauren James’ lovely ball in towards Galton fell between Carly Telford and Maren Mjelde, with the Norwegian forced to turn the ball away for a corner.

The final opportunity fell Chelsea’s way. Harder combined well with Kirby to find Cuthbert who earned a corner. The resulting ball in was headed clear by Millie Turner.

Above: Ella Toone fires in an effort for Manchester United against Chelsea today. Photo: @ManUnitedWomen

It was a frustrating ending for Chelsea. For much of the afternoon their creative players were able to show their worth against a potential top four opponent and, for the vast majority of the exchanges, their defence also remained well-organised and comfortable. Yet the law of averages proves that you can only defend for so long before one chance goes in.

United competed well with top opposition, but overall they found it tough to consistently produce sufficient quality to turn possession into goal scoring opportunities. If the Red Devils want to break into the top three, they need to develop greater potency and creativity to mix it with the best. If they can get Christen Press and Tobin Heath in on loan in the coming days, it might just be possible.

Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED: Earps, Smith, McManus, M. Turner, Batlle, Ladd, Zelem, Hanson, Toone, Galton, Ross. Substitutes: Ramsey (GK), A. Turner, Okvist (for Batlle), Groenen (for Hanson), James (for Ross).

Scorer: Galton 79.

CHELSEA: Telford, Bright, Ingle, Leupolz, Ji, Reiten, Kirby, Eriksson, Mjelde, Kerr, Andersson. Substitutes: Orman (GK), Blundell, Carter (for Andersson), England (for Kerr), J. Fleming, Charles, Cuthbert (for Ji), Harder (for Reiten), Spence.

Scorer: Kerr 25.

Referee: Kirsty Dowle

In My View

From the tweets of Daisy Wildsmith, the Impetus contributor offers her opinion on Manchester City’s 2-0 win at FAWSL new kids Aston Villa in the opening game of the campaign yesterday afternoon.

Yesterday’s opening day victory for Manchester City at Aston Villa proved that the home side have got a lot of strengths that could make them a mid-table side come the end of the season.

There were certainly defensive and goal keeping mistakes from Villa in the first half – but they made up for in the second period, and their baby faced substitutes coming on show the promise of youth they have in their squad.

As for City – they looked a bit rusty and disjointed at times, although it was the first game of the season after a lockdown. You could see at times Steph Houghton was fuming which showed the fact they were not at their best. I’m not sure whether they were fully prepared for Villa to be defending so heavily.

The positives for Gareth Taylor’s side were the power and skill of Chloe Kelly – an incredible signing and the good decision making from Ellie Roebuck. They’ll feel it was good to have a win, but there’s a lot to work on and improve going forward though.

Daisy Wildsmith is a regular contributor to Impetus and is a women’s football supporter from the West Midlands.

A Magnificent Seventh For Lyon

VfL Wolfsburg 1-3 Olympique Lyonnais

By Ben Gilby

Above: Olympique Lyonnais celebrate their Champions League success. Photo: @OLfeminin

Lyon won their fifth UEFA Women’s Champions League in a row and seventh from the last ten finals after victory in a high quality final against Wolfsburg in San Sebastian.

The final was settled by a goal from Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir, who, with great irony had actually played more games for the German side in this elongated season’s competition than for her new French team.

Wolfsburg went into their fifth Champions League final in eight years desperate to put right their record of losing to Lyon in two previous finals. With their opponents missing both Ada Hegeberg (injury) and Nikita Parris (suspension) up front, the German champions felt that they had a real opportunity to claim their third Champions League title.

It was a lively start to the final with both teams showing their intent to attack from the first whistle. The French side fashioned the first opportunity when Saki Kumagai’s effort was well saved by Friederike Abt in the Wolfsburg goal.

The perennial danger of Lyon talisman Wendie Renard from set pieces was also in evident in the opening exchanges as her headers from both Dzenifer Marozsan and Amel Majri’s free-kicks narrowly missed the target.

In between, Chelsea target Pernille Harder had an effort on what was to be a relatively quiet night by her standards. Renard’s header clear fell to the Dane but her effort went over the bar.

Wolfsburg let another opportunity slip by on the quarter hour mark when Ewa Pajor and Alexandra Popp combined with a one-two but Sarah Bouhaddi in the Olympique Lyonnais goal claimed the ball.

Lyon made the Germans pay for missing those two opportunities on the twenty-fifth minute when a magnificent move down the right involving the influential Delphine Cascasino saw the ball cut back to Eugenie Le Sommer whose first effort was blocked by the feet of Abt, but the striker followed up rapidly with two defenders standing still around her to score.

Wolfsburg responded well, and within three minutes had another opportunity as Popp headed over. They were playing an excellent patient passing game which conjured up a chance for Fridolina Rolfo but the Swedish international side footed wide.

Cascarino was causing huge problems down the right with Sakina Karchaoui impressing on the left – and it was this pair that were influential for the remainder of Lyon’s efforts in the opening period.

From one such piece of Cascarino excellence, the 23 year-old laid off a ball from a corner to Saki Kumagai just outside the ‘D’ and the Japanese international crashed a shot in the bottom corner to put Lyon 2-0 up at the break.

The French champions almost made it three within minutes of the restart as Sakina Karchaoui ran down the left and cut in to feed Eugenie Le Sommer, but her effort was pushed out by Abt for a corner.

Wolfsburg rallied and Pernille Harder played in Svenja Huth whose cross was below standard and Ewa Pajor could not take advantage.

Just four minutes later, the Germans had better luck. Harder fed Rolfo who put in a great ball which Sarah Bouhaddi could only palm into the path of Alexandra Popp who didn’t miss.

Popp later combined well with substitute Pia-Sophie Wolter but the move was curtailed for offside.

Wolfsburg were pressing well, but unable to create the sufficient quality that was needed to bother Lyon, and as the game entered its final five minutes, it was the French side who rose to the occasion.

Lioness Jodie Taylor, on for Dzenifer Marozsan played in Eugenie Le Sommer, only for Lena Oberdorf to clear for a corner. From the resulting flag kick, Le Sommer drove in an effort which was heading narrowly wide before Icelandic international Sarah Bjork Gunnarsdottir stuck out a leg to deflect the ball past Abt for the winner.

There was one last chance for Lyon to add the icing on the cake when Melanie Malard found Taylor, but Abt saved with the assistant referee raising an offside flag.

Wolfsburg will feel that the score line didn’t do their efforts justice, but they learned a painful lesson – in order to defeat Olympique Lyonnais you have to convert a far higher ratio of the chances you create. They also lacked a playmaker with the creativity of Delphine Cascarino who, at her best can be unplayable.

Lyon took the honours yet again – but there is a growing band of teams across the continent, notably in England, who will feel that next time round things might be different.

Teams: VfL WOLFSBURG: Abt, Blasse, Goessling, Doorsan Khajeh, Jansson, Huth, Syrstad Engen, Popp, Rolfo, Harder (c), Pajor. Substitutes: Kassen (GK), Kiedrzynek (GK), Jakobfi, Heindrich (for Doorsan Khajeh), Oberdorf (for Pajor), Bremer (for Blasse), Rauch, Wolter (for Huth), Dickermann, Wiedermeyer, Grawe.

Scorer: Popp 58

OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS: Bouhaddi, Karchaoui, Renard (c), Buchanan, Bronze, Kumagai, Gunnarsdottir, Majri, Marozsan, Cascarino, Le Sommer. Substitutes: Gallardo (GK), Talaslahti (GK), Bacha, Henry, van der Sanden (for Cascarino), Carpenter, Greenwood (for Le Sommer), Cayman, Taylor (for Marozsan), Malard (for Majri).

Scorers: Le Sommer 25, Kumagai 43, Gunnarsdottir 88.

Referee: Esther Staubli (SUI).

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Chelsea 2-0 Manchester City

By Ben Gilby

Chelsea ran out deserved winners in the resurrected Women’s Community Shield at Wembley with defender Millie Bright showing how to finish on a day when her famously more prolific team mate Sam Kerr was below par.

Manchester City will point to the controversial sending off of Jill Scott just past the hour mark for a second bookable offence as the moment the game changed, however it would be equally fair to highlight the fact that had Sam Kerr’s finishing been up to standard, they would have been well out of the game by the time of Scott’s departure.

Chelsea gave a competitive debut to German midfielder Melanie Leupolz and also welcomed back Fran Kirby after many months on the sidelines. Fellow summer signings Jessie Fleming and Niamh Charles appeared from the bench.

For City, summer signing Chloe Kelly started and USWNT star Sam Mewis made an appearance off of the bench.

The Sky Blues were on the attack from the off and forced a corner within fifteen seconds. Kelly’s in swinger was gathered by Ann-Katrin Berger.

Chelsea constructed their first chance on three minutes when Ji So-yun played an inch perfect ball through to Sam Kerr, but the Matildas star’s effort went into the side netting.

It was noticeable that new Manchester City coach Gareth Taylor had introduced a more patient passing build-up in the early stages, and the West Londoners were more than happy to sit off.

Ji continued her dominant start by playing in Guru Reiten who won a foul from Steph Houghton.

City fashioned their first real opening on the twenty-second minute mark when Georgia Stanway hit a half volley towards the top left corner, but Berger reached the ball comfortably. Shortly afterwards a dangerous free-kick on the right from Chloe Kelly found Houghton, but the Lionesses star couldn’t quite get on the end of it.

The Sky Blues momentum was broken as Lauren Hemp cruelly pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring twinge, and she was brought off as a precaution. Canadian international Janine Beckie came on with Chloe Kelly taking Hemp’s position.

As the half wore on, Fran Kirby’s influence grew down the right and she looked to find Sam Kerr. It was City though, through Kelly once more that fashioned another great opportunity. She glided past four attempted Chelsea tackles as Maren Mjelde, Fran Kirby, Millie Bright, and Magdelena Eriksson all failed to stop the former Everton flyer from playing a ball across the box which an offside Beckie tapped in.

Kirby then combined with Ji through the middle before the South Korean was felled on the edge of the box by Jill Scott. The resulting free-kick in the ‘D’, just left of centre rebounded off of Eriksson’s back and into the path of Kerr who headed wide.

Stanway had another ferocious effort for City three minutes later which forced Berger into a fine save. Kelly’s follow up crashed back off of the left post.

Less than a minute later, Kerr let another chance go begging when the Fremantle born star saw off Houghton but her shot went wide. Chelsea had two further opportunities through Maren Mjelde before the break – the first blocked by Gemma Bonner with Ellie Roebuck saving the second. It remained goalless at the break.

Fran Kirby started the second half as she ended the first by going on a glorious run and playing in Kerr who appeared certain to score, but could only side foot the ball wide again. Shortly afterwards Demi Stokes got back well to put the Australian off as she went to hit another effort.

From City’s perspective, Chloe Kelly was once again involved in the best of their offensive efforts. She cut in off her wing and pulled off a magnificent shot from outside of the box which Berger held. On the hour mark, there was another great piece of build-up play when a lovely ball from Keira Walsh set Jill Scott away and her ‘through-the-eye-of-the-needle-pass’ found Stanway beautifully before the danger was cleared.

Just two minutes after that came Scott’s final act. The Lioness went into a challenge with Ji So-yun and on the follow through, her knee make contact with the South Korean. Referee Rebecca Welch adjudged it a yellow card offence, and with Scott already been booked, she was then shown a red. It was certainly possible to feel sympathy for Scott as two committed players went for the ball.

To add rub salt into City wounds, just four minutes later they went behind. Ji laid off a pass to Millie Bright who hit a glorious curling effort from outside of the box past Ellie Roebuck to give Chelsea the lead.

Emma Hayes then began to make changes and introduced FAWSL Player of the Year Beth England for Sam Kerr and the terrier like Scottish star Erin Cuthbert for Fran Kirby. England made her presence felt immediately going on a trademark run before finding Ji, but Roebuck saved comfortably. Shortly afterwards England fired an effort over.

Chelsea were in control in the final twenty minutes and Ji combined well with Cuthbert down the right before Houghton intercepted the former Glasgow City player’s attempted ball to England.

Finally in stoppage time, the West Londoners added a second when Ji combined with Maren Mjelde. The Norwegian played in a pass towards Beth England who slid in with Houghton. The ball found its way to Cuthbert’s feet and the Scot doesn’t miss those sorts of opportunities.

Chelsea will be delighted to take the honours from the game, but ultimately, come May very few people will remember the outcome of the Community Shield. The FAWSL restarts next weekend, and one thing is certain – it’s going to be the strongest competition yet. Get strapped in, hold on tight because the roller-coaster ride is about to start.

Teams: CHELSEA: Berger, Eriksson, Bright, Ingle, Mjelde, Ji, Reiten, Leupolz, Andersson, Kirby, Kerr. Substitutes: Thorisdottir, Blundell, Carter, England (for Kerr), Fleming (for Andersson), Charles (for Reiten), Cuthbert (for Kirby), Spence, Telford (GK).

Scorers: Bright 66, Cuthbert 90.

MANCHESTER CITY: Roebuck, Stokes, Bonner, Houghton, Morgan, Walsh, Weir, Scott, Stanway, Kelly, Hemp. Substitutes: Bardsley (GK), Campbell, Coombs, Beckie (for Hemp), Park, White (for Stanway), Mewis (for Weir), Benameur.

Referee: Rebecca Welch.

PSG Wait Goes On As Lyon Extend Run

Paris St. Germain 0-1 Olympique Lyonnaise

By Ben Gilby

Lyon continued their domination over their closest rivals in the French domestic game with a 1-0 win over Paris St. Germain in Bilbao to reach their fifth consecutive Champions League Final.

The six times Champions League winners have a staggering record over the Parisians – having lost just four times to them in over forty matches. However, PSG can point to the fact that they were the last team to defeat the dominant force in French and European women’s football – albeit two years ago. Clearly the gap between the two sides continues to narrow, and PSG produced more than enough throughout this semi-final in the Basque Country to emphasise that it is just a matter of time before they lower Lyonnaise colours.

PSG coach Olivier Echouafni set out his side to deny Lyon the time, space and freedom to allow their creative players to dominate the game. The physical edge to the game which they showed so often against Arsenal in the Quarter-Final was also in evidence – it was a game plan which brought his team close to glory.

Paris were probing well in offence during the early exchanges and tried to maintain a high press. Sara Dabritz played a crucial role in this period, and she created the first real opportunity of the semi-final when she played in Perle Morroni, but the effort flew over the bar.

Just after the twenty minute mark, Lyon had an opportunity from a corner but Wendy Renard’s header could only hit the back of team-mate Lucy Bronze.

The ever dangerous Delphine Cascarino began to show her worth for the defending champions as she used her pace down the right to pull in a cross, but Nikita Parris, no slouch herself in the speed stakes, could not match her run to get onto the end of the cross in time.

The game then became disjointed after the half hour mark as PSG were forced to stop Lyon in their tracks with a number of fouls. From one of the eventuating free kicks, Dzenifer Marozsan played the ball in to Cascarino who hit an effort from outside of the box which was pushed away by Christiane Endler for a corner. As the resulting flag kick came in, Lucy Bronze’s free header was saved.

PSG responded with the influential Dabritz who combined with Kadidiatou Diani, but Sarah Bouhaddi saved.

Cascarino’s marauding down the right continued to cause problems for the Parisians and she was stopped by Paulina Dudek’s foul. From the free-kick, Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir headed just wide.

The fouls began to rack up for PSG and Nadia Nadim, already booked, put in a cynical effort on Sakina Karchaoui which warranted a second yellow, but no card was shown by referee Anastasia Pustovoltova. It remained 0-0 at the break.

The second half began in a similar fashion. Within seven minutes of the restart, Nikita Parris was fouled, but the free-kick missed everyone in the box. However the main cause for interest in the move was a clear shirt pull by PSG’s Paulina Dudek on Kadeisha Buchanan in the box. Nothing was given – although it would not be long before the referee found her cards once more.

With sixty-five minutes played, Lionesses star Lucy Bronze went on a super run which could only be halted by another cynical Paris challenge – this time by Grace Geyoro, who had already been booked and so received her second yellow.

There was double despair for PSG, as Amel Majri floated in the resulting free-kick which was met by the head of Wendy Renard to put Lyon ahead.

Three minutes later, Nikita Parris was shoved by Parisian captain Irene Paredes as the ball went out for a throw in. Parris was at the centre of the next drama as well when, having been booked earlier for shouting back to the referee, she got involved by needlessly pushing Christiane Endler and received a second yellow.

This indiscretion served to buoy PSG who were no longer hampered by the double disaster of being behind in both the score and number of players. They dominated the remaining fifteen minutes of the encounter.

Diani fired in a dangerous cross which Bronze needed to head away, but the pressure remained and Majri needed to make a desperate thumping clearance to no-one in particular up the field.

There were two final opportunities for the Parisians as the clock ticked down – first Dudek’s chance from a free-kick caused a huge playground style scramble with Lyon’s Dutch star Shanice van der Sanden finally clearing. Then Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir handled on the left, far too close to her own goal for comfort, but Dabritz’s free kick was comfortably claimed by Sarah Bouhaddi and the final danger passed.

For the third time in the last five seasons there will be a Wolfsburg v Lyon Champions League Final. However, the French side’s ambitions of a record breaking seventh win in the last eleven years will be tempered by the realisation that they will be far from their usual strength offensively for the final as not only will they be missing Ada Hegerberg through continued injury, but Nikita Parris’ sending off will see her suspended.

Teams: PARIS ST. GERMAIN: Endler, Lawrence, Paredes, Dudek, Morroni, Bachmann, Dabritz, Geyoro, Diani, Katoto, Nadim. Substitutes: Voll (GK), Criscione (GK), Simon, Cook, Luana, Saevik, Fazer, Baltimore (for Nadim), Bruun (for Baltimore), Huitena, Formiga (for Bachmann), Khelefi.

OLYMPIQUE LYONNAISE: Bouhaddi, Bronze, Renard, Buchanan, Karchaoui, Gunnarsdottir, Kumagai, Cascarino, Marozsan, Majri, Parris. Substitutes: Gallardo (GK), Talaslahti (GK), Bacha (for Karchaoui), Le Sommer (for Cascarino), van der Sanden (for Marozsan), Carpenter, Greenwood, Cayman, Taylor, Malard.

Scorer: Renard 67.

Referee: Anastasia Pustovoltova (RUS).

Wolfsburg Smash And Grab Shatters Barca

VfL Wolfsburg 1-0 Barcelona

By Ben Gilby

Despite being second best in possession and territory for much of the evening in San Sebastian, it was Wolfsburg who edged their way into a fifth Champions League Final with victory over a luckless Barcelona.

The Spanish champions fashioned the first chances of this semi-final when Norwegian international Caroline Graham Hansen’s run down the left ended with her cutting in and shooting wide. Shortly afterwards, Asisat Oshoala played a lovely one-two with Maria Pilar Leon before hitting the side netting.

It took Wolfsburg until the twenty-first minute to create their first real opportunity and it came through Joelle Wedemeyer whose effort from outside the box was parried and then pounced on by Sandra Panos in the Barca goal.

The Germans then created a flurry of opportunities – Khajeh Doorsan put Fridolina Rolfo thorugh, but the Swedish international ballooned her shot over the bar. Minutes afterwards Rolfo combined with Pernille Harder, who was kept quiet all evening, but a crunching challenge from Kheira Hamraoui cleared the danger.

Barcelona responed eight minutes before the break when a move was set in action by Jennifer Hermoso which saw Graham Hansen feed Oshoala. The Nigerian went in for the ball with Wolfsburg defender Kathrin Hendrich and keeper Friederike Abt with all three having to be disentangled after the ball was cleared.

There were two further opportunities for the Catalans in the closing stages of the half both involving Caroline Graham Hansen. First, she came in from the left and hit a shot diagonally across the goal which was wide, and then the Norwegian’s free-kick from the right swerved straight into the arms of Abt.

Wolfsburg offered more in the opening exchanges of the second half, and Alexandra Popp’s header from a corner flew over.

However, a minute later, there was a golden opportunity for Barca. Hermoso released Graham Hansen who found herself free on the edge of the box with options – shoot or square it to Asisat Oshoala – unfortunately neither really eventuated as Hansen took the ball too far before attempting to centre, with Abt saving comfortably.

Barcelona would pay for this indecision on the fifty-eighth minute, Wolfsburg fashioned the only goal of the game. Ingrid Syrstad Engen played an inch perfect cross field ball to Svenja Huth whose cross was poorly dealt with by Andrea Pereira allowing Ewa Pajor to launch an overhead kick which in turn stuck the foot of a defender and rebounded into the path of Fridolina Rolfo who smashed the ball gleefully into the net.

The Swede’s goal was the last offensive act that Wolfsburg would offer in the game as Barcelona dominated the remaining thirty-two minutes in a fruitless attempt to get back into this semi-final.

Leila Ouahabi’s cross found the head of Oshoala. Her powerful header was tipped over by Abt, but the officials refused to award the corner for Barcelona. The frustration mounted just four minutes later when Mariana Caldertey side footed an effort over the bar.

The chances stacked up for the Catalans – Marta Torrejon ran through and centred to Hermoso, whose effort went wide. Graham Hansen sent in a dangerous low ball into the midst of the six yard box, but again, Hermoso’s luck was out as she couldn’t quite stretch enough to reach it. With six minutes left, Torrejon played in another ball which substitute Aitana Bonmati could only lift over the bar.

It was a classic smash and grab raid by Wolfsburg to make their fifth Champions League Final in eight years. Whilst their joy was unconfined at the final whistle, for Barca, it was a case of what might have been, or indeed what should have been.

Teams: VfL WOLFSBURG: Abt, Doorsan, Hendrich, Wedemeyer, Huth, Syrstad Engen, Popp, Rolfo, Harder, Pajor. Substitutes: Jakobfi, Oberdorf (for Popp), Bremer (for Pajor), Blasse, Kassen (GK), Rauch, Wolter (for Rolfo), Dickerann, Goessling, Grawe, Kiedrzynek (GK)

Scorer: Rolfo 58

BARCELONA: Panos, Ouahabi, Pereira, Leon, Torrejon, Putellas, Hamraoui, Hermoso, Caldertey, Oshoala, Graham Hansen. Substitutes: Serrano, Losada (for Ouahabi), Guijarro (for Putellas), Coll (GK) Bonmati (for Oshoala), Crnogorcevic, Martens (for Hamraoui), Queiroz, Font (GK), Panedos, Velasco, Costa.

Referee: Katalin Kulczar (HUN).

Parisian Flair Too Much For The Gunners

Arsenal 1-2 Paris St. Germain

By Ben Gilby

A dream goal from Signe Bruun on her return from eighteen months out injured ensured that Paris St. Germain ended Arsenal’s Champions League hopes last night with a deserved victory over the Gunners in San Sebastian.

Bruun’s strike with thirteen minutes remaining was the eventual difference between two sides, although it was becoming clear that the two competitive games that PSG have played in recent weeks was enabling French side to win the physical fitness battle after the shut-down of the sport due to coronavirus.

The early stages saw Arsenal creating good opportunities with Vivianne Miedema pressing Christine Endler on a pass back and ensuring that the PSG keeper rushed her clearance out for a Gunners throw. The Dutch star also combined well with Kim Little before Nadia Nadim tidied away the danger. Arsenal also earned a free kick on the edge of the box in this period, but Beth Mead’s attempted ball in was disappointing.

As PSG settled they began to spray some beautiful passes around the field and looked increasingly comfortable on the ball. On the twelfth minute mark, Kadidiatou Diani was awarded a free kick after being fouled by Danielle van der Donk. Sara Dabritz’s ball in from the right was cleared, but not without penalty claims from the Parisians which were waved away by referee Esther Staubli.

Three minutes later, PSG were in front. Marie-Antoinette Katoto got away from Leah Williamson at a corner to side volley in a stunning strike.

Arsenal responded well to this blow and shortly afterwards they fashioned an opportunity when Noelle Maritz was played in by Miedema and then found Kim Little whose side footed effort went narrowly wide.

Little was involved again just after the half hour mark when she found Lisa Evans, but the French side tidied away the danger.

The Gunners’ efforts though were rewarded six minutes before the break when Maritz combined with Little who threaded a ball through to Beth Mead who fired a shot across the diving Christiane Ender into the far corner. PSG claimed the England forward was offside – something which replays seemed to agree with, but the goal stood.

Arsenal fashioned a further opportunity three minutes later when the increasingly influential Little went on a storming run down the left and cut inside to find Miedema whose effort went wide and the score remained 1-1 at the break.

Paris St. Germain came out firing in the second half, and within four minutes of the re-start, their former Chelsea star Ramona Bachmann ran down the right and came in to provide a pass to Kadidiatou Diani, whose effort was deflected out for a corner.

The French side were now well in control and forcing Arsenal onto the back foot throughout, ensuring that the North Londoners struggled to maintain any possession that they gained.

Just after the hour mark Sara Dabritz combined with Diani but Zinsberger saved well. Diani was linking up magnificently with Marie-Antoinette Katoto with the pair at the heart of the majority of Arsenal’s woes in the second half. The pair combined on 74 minutes with Zinsberger needing to stand up strong to block Diani’s effort with her feet.

PSG introduced Signe Bruun for the hardworking Ramona Bachmann with twenty five minutes left and the Danish striker was in the thick of the action immediately as she shot over the ball after being played in by Diani.

Just two minutes later though, Bruun killed off Arsenal’s hopes of Champions League progress. Katie McCabe lost out to Diani who played in Katoto once more. Her low cross found Bruun who swept the ball home.

Five minutes later the Parisians fashioned another opportunity when the dangerous due of Diani and Katoto combined to force Zinsberger into a save with Dabritz’s follow-up going narrowly wide.

To their credit, Arsenal rallied and finished strongly – aided by their bench. Last season at times it could be ventured that Joe Montemurro’s side fell down against the top sides due to a lack of strength in depth. Not so now – any team that can have players like Jordan Nobbs, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Jill Roord as substitutes is going to be up there fighting tooth and nail with the best on all fronts.

The final stages saw Arsenal on the front foot in an attempt for an equaliser to force the tie to extra time. Caitlin Foord played in Miedema but the opportunity was cleared for a corner. The Dutch star was involved in Arsenal’s final opportunity when she combined with Katie McCabe to force a corner which was dealt with by the French side.

Paris St. Germain ran out deserved winners and now face domestic foes Olympique Lyonnais for a place in the Champions League Final. As for Arsenal, two weeks out from the start of the new FAWSL season, they will be in a good place to fight back for silverware domestically in a bid to return to this competition in twelve months time.

Teams: ARSENAL: Zinsberger, Maritz, Williamson, Beattie, McCabe, Walti, van der Donk, Evans, Little, Mead, Miedema. Substitutes: Nobbs (for Evans), Catley (for McCabe), Roord (for van der Donk), Foord (for Mead), Maier, Gut, Schnaderbeck (for Beattie), Stenson (GK), Felis, Mace.

Scorer: Mead 39.

PARIS ST. GERMAIN: Ender, Dudek, Paredes, Lawrence, Geyoro, Nadim, Dabritz, Diani, Morroni, Katoto, Bachmann. Substitutes: Voll (GK), Simon, Cook, Paixao, Saevik, Fazer, Baltimore (for Nadim), Bruun (for Bachmann), Huitenna, Formiga (for Diani), Khelifi, Pinguet (GK).

Scorers: Katoto 15, Bruun 77.

Referee: Esther Staubli (SUI).