Yesterday, Arsenal Women lifted the Champions League trophy following an almighty victory over Barcelona. The Spanish giants were edged 1-0 by the Gunners, who had to battle hard throughout the 90 minutes. Stina Blackstenius secured the win for Renée Slegers’ side with a close-range finish midway through the second half.
The North Londoners claimed their second Champions League title in history, having previously lifted the trophy in 2007 when Swedish side Umeå were narrowly beaten 1-0 on aggregate.
Arsenal Women set the European benchmark
In contrast, the men’s side have never won the Champions League, coming closest in the 2005/06 campaign when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona in the final after initially taking the lead. That defeat has haunted the club’s European journey ever since, with two further semi-final appearances, against Manchester United in 2009 and Paris Saint-Germain this season, ending in disappointment. Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten 3-1 on aggregate by PSG in their latest attempt.
Arsenal Women have now achieved what Arsenal Men have not, winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League and avoiding complacency when it mattered most.
Women’s success should inspire the men’s team
Their success should inspire the men’s team as they prepare for next season’s competition. The Gunners also have a wider point to prove in Europe, especially after bitter rivals Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0 to win the Europa League this week. While some may downplay that achievement given the competition’s status as Europe’s second tier, it is still a European trophy, something Arsenal have not won since lifting the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994 with a 1-0 win over Parma, courtesy of an Alan Smith goal.
Arteta’s side must now move beyond this season’s semi-final setback and push forward with the belief and resilience that the women displayed against Barcelona. They were held for much of the match, yet still found a way to break through.
The men’s moment in Europe should arrive soon, especially after reaching the final four this season, but only time will tell.
Regardless of gender, this is a proud time to be a Gooner following the women’s historic success, which reflects positively on the club and its supporters alike.
What are your thoughts Gooners?
Liam Harding
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
Am raising my glass to all Arsenal women, love you girls
So proud of the Ladies
What the men’s team (i.e. Arteta) need to learn is that Sleegers runs the team as a collective, not top-down. In many instances the players have said that with Sleegers they feel they contribute rather than just follow orders. I think this mind-set is more easily achieved by women than by men. If the men felt more engaged in decision-making, maybe they wouldn’t have so many lapses in concentration. This year in particular they’ve left innumerable number of points after going ahead.
Liam Harding THANK YOU SO MUCH INDEED for your insights and for shamelessly describing your altruistic thoughts. Our women during the final match v the mighty Barca and in their post match celebrations are fearless and authentic. Long may their joy continue!!
Certainly Arteta can learn a lot from Slegers regarding substitutions. We needed a goal against Barcelona and sleger’s brought on two attacking players.
We needed a goal against PSG, and Arteta brings on a left back. Go figure.
Derek raised interesting points that I liked the most. Renee brought on real game changers. Arteta was nervous at that moment and he did not know what he was doing as the lyrics go… He himself admitted at certain time of the season that our subs don’t make differences. Renee stand by in case
When Arsenal lifted the Community Shield beating Liverpool I along with my friends celebrated with drinks breaching the then Covid protocol. After that nothing to celebrate about Arsenal. Count the years along with it the agonies. The Arsenal Women satiated me of that ecstatic feeling. Proud of them and the extroverted cheer leader McCabe!!
Derek raised interesting points that I liked the most. Renee brought on real game changers assister and scorer. Arteta was nervous at that moment and he did not know what he was doing as the lyrics go… He himself admitted at certain time of the season that our subs don’t make differences. Renee stand by in case