Arsenal put one foot into the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League by beating OH Leuven 4-0 in Belgium in the first leg of their knockout play-off.
A thoroughly professional performance with a pair of goals in either half saw the Gunners to victory and next week’s return looks a foregone conclusion barring one of the biggest shocks in the competition’s history.
Frida Manum’s header unlocked a previously stubborn home defense midway through the first period, but from that point the Gunners were a constant threat and doubled their lead as Olivia Smith headed home Chloe Kelly’s low cross for her fourth goal in as many games.
Maanum’s second, seven minutes into the second period, ended the game as a contest when she turned home Caitlin Foord’s shot from close range before substitute Alessia Russo surely did the same to equalize with another simple finish from Smila Holmberg.
More to come…