Russo’s early strike was a real moment of quality, too, both in the finish and the excellent footwork from Beth Mead that set it up. However, it seemed to serve to only poke the bear as Lyon battled back ferociously with some relentless play throughout the first half in particular. It was a gift that helped them draw level, as goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar passed the ball to Dumornay when playing out from the back under no pressure, but the 22-year-old’s second was a stunner, one she sent flying into the top corner from 20 yards out.
Lyon should’ve added to that lead multiple times but efforts either flew off target or were parried away by Van Domselaar, who did make amends for her earlier blunder with a terrific double stop just before the break especially. Arsenal couldn’t make them rue that wastefulness, either, with chances few and far between bar Mariona Caldentey’s well-saved effort a minute after Dumornay’s second and Caitlin Foord’s strike just wide in the final seconds.
It means it’s now four games without a winner for the Gunners, after draws against Manchester United and Aston Villa were followed up with defeat at Manchester City at the weekend and now this loss. It’s the first time since January 2022 that they have endured such a barren run. Five months after winning the Champions League, head coach Renee Slegers isn’t under any real pressure in terms of her job, it must be said, but she and her Arsenal team are in terms of regaining some momentum and getting their season back on track for success.
BALLGM rates Arsenal’s players from Meadow Park…
Russo’s early strike was a real moment of quality, too, both in the finish and the excellent footwork from Beth Mead that set it up. However, it seemed to serve to only poke the bear as Lyon battled back ferociously with some relentless play throughout the first half in particular. It was a gift that helped them draw level, as goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar passed the ball to Dumornay when playing out from the back under no pressure, but the 22-year-old’s second was a stunner, one she sent flying into the top corner from 20 yards out.
Lyon should’ve added to that lead multiple times but efforts either flew off target or were parried away by Van Domselaar, who did make amends for her earlier blunder with a terrific double stop just before the break especially. Arsenal couldn’t make them rue that wastefulness, either, with chances few and far between bar Mariona Caldentey’s well-saved effort a minute after Dumornay’s second and Caitlin Foord’s strike just wide in the final seconds.
It means it’s now four games without a winner for the Gunners, after draws against Manchester United and Aston Villa were followed up with defeat at Manchester City at the weekend and now this loss. It’s the first time since January 2022 that they have endured such a barren run. Five months after winning the Champions League, head coach Renee Slegers isn’t under any real pressure in terms of her job, it must be said, but she and her Arsenal team are in terms of regaining some momentum and getting their season back on track for success.
BALLGM rates Arsenal’s players from Meadow Park…
Daphne van Domselaar (3/10):
Made a real blunder for Lyon’s first goal and her distribution was questionable for the second, too. Made amends to an extent with some terrific saves but the damage was already done.
Emily Fox (4/10):
Was overwhelmed in the first half in particular, dealing with Bacha and Diani both running down her side. Could’ve done more at times but also needed more help.
Katie Reid (4/10):
Her most difficult night of the season but she still wasn’t the most culpable.
Steph Catley (4/10):
Lost the ball far too often in dangerous areas.
Taylor Hinds (3/10):
Caught out of position too often as Lyon thrived out wide.
Kim Little (5/10):
Kept the ball better than most, though the bar wasn’t very high.
Mariona Caldentey (4/10):
Poor awareness led to her giving the ball away for Lyon’s second goal. A surprisingly sloppy performance from the Ballon d’Or runner-up.
Frida Maanum (4/10):
Battled well off the ball, winning most of her duels, but was on the fringes of the game in an attacking sense all night.
Chloe Kelly (3/10):
Could not get involved at all in attack and didn’t do enough defensively to help deal with Bacha, who always had so much space coming forward from left-back.
Alessia Russo (5/10):
Took her goal brilliantly. That was about the only service she had all night, however.
Beth Mead (5/10):
Showed great footwork and vision to pick out Russo for the opening goal but struggled to make much of an impact after that.
Caitlin Foord (6/10):
Arsenal’s liveliest introduction, she was not far away from equalising in the final moments.
Olivia Smith (5/10):
Battled well and won plenty of duels but couldn’t really get anything going in attack.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (N/A):
Made a rare appearance in the final 15 minutes.
Stina Blackstenius (N/A):
On for the final 15 minutes but didn’t get any service.
Katie McCabe (N/A):
A late sub.
Renee Slegers (5/10):
Was too predictable with her team selection and set-up, and the same with her subs. Didn’t do anything to give Lyon a particularly different look going forward in order to help Arsenal get back into the game.
