Arsenal secure huge advantage ahead of next season without kicking a ball

Gidiweb4 weeks ago

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Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal Women have officially booked their place in next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League — and they didn’t even need to play a game to do it.

The Gunners mathematically secured qualification after Manchester City, their closest challengers for the final European spot, were held to a draw by Everton this weekend. The result leaves City unable to catch Arsenal in the FA Women’s Super League standings, confirming the north London side’s return to Europe’s elite competition.

The confirmation came just 24 hours after Arsenal suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium. While the result was a blow, the weekend delivered a silver lining for Jonas Eidevall’s squad.

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Arsenal’s tally of 45 points, combined with a significantly superior goal difference (+40 to City’s +17), makes them unassailable by Nick Cushing’s side, who sit on 36 points with just three matches remaining. The qualification is now secure regardless of how Arsenal’s current European campaign concludes.

Arsenal Women — ***Arsenal have qualified for the Women’s Champions League next season (Image credit: Getty Images)***

The timing couldn’t be better. With the pressure of a top-three league finish lifted, Arsenal can now focus entirely on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, where they aim to overturn the deficit against eight-time champions Lyon. The winner will advance to the final to face either Chelsea or Barcelona.

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Renee Slegers’ team remains second in the WSL, trailing league leaders Chelsea by three points. However, Chelsea still have a game in hand, giving them the edge in the title race.

Arsenal’s remaining league fixtures include away trips to Aston Villa and Brighton, followed by a home clash with Manchester United. While Champions League qualification is now assured, the Gunners will be determined to close out the domestic campaign on a high and keep pressure on Chelsea at the top of the table.