After the initial leg, it seemed uncertain, but Arsenal ensured that for the first time, three Women’s Super League teams would be in the Champions League group stage with a comfortable win over Häcken. With Chelsea securing a spot as WSL champions and Manchester City earning an 8-0 aggregate victory against Paris FC, the pressure was on Arsenal to deliver. Jonas Eidevall’s team needed to overcome a 1-0 deficit in the second round of qualifying.
Eidevall had previously stated twice that Arsenal needed to be in the group stage, calling it a failure if they didn’t qualify. The club is committed to playing all such games at the Emirates Stadium, but the head coach also needed this qualification. Failure to qualify would have inevitably raised questions about his future. These are the tight margins coaches must navigate.
Instead of speculation about job security, there were four goals, happy fans, and packed-out Champions League nights to anticipate. Arsenal will participate in Friday’s draw at noon. Eidevall made three changes to the team that drew 2-2 with Manchester City on Sunday, bringing back Lia Wälti, Alessia Russo, and Beth Mead.
Arsenal had been wasteful against City, regretting missed chances and two dropped points after taking an early lead. Against Häcken, there was no room for such wastefulness. The Swedish side had already punished Arsenal for their mistake in Gothenburg. Mak Lind made one change to the team that won 1-0 in the first leg, replacing Alice Bergström with Hikaru Kitagawa.
Eidevall described the trip to Gothenburg as a “step backwards.” At Meadow Park, Häcken aimed to turn that step into a slide, attacking early with intensity. Arsenal created their first big chance in the eighth minute, but Mead’s shot was straight at Jennifer Falk. Häcken should have extended their lead, but Anna Anvegård’s effort missed the far post.
The visitors were exploiting Arsenal’s left side, but it was Arsenal who leveled the tie with Wälti’s first-time strike in the 23rd minute. The goal eased the pressure on the players, shifting momentum in their favor. The goal that put them ahead was hard-earned; Mead’s blocked shot was cleared to Mariona Caldentey, whose strike was deflected over Falk.
Häcken tested Arsenal immediately after the break, but Manuela Zinsberger was not troubled. Arsenal’s third goal came from McCabe’s cross, which Mead flicked and struck viciously. As the tie stretched, Häcken had to push forward, leaving space for Arsenal. The home side scored again, but Stina Blackstenius was judged offside.
Arsenal’s fourth goal came from substitutions, with Foord and Maanum combining for the cross that the Norwegian forward turned in. Ultimately, it was a routine victory, but Arsenal needs to relieve pressure on themselves sooner.
