Starting XI: Domselaar, Fox (31), Williamson(3), Codina, McCabe, Maanum, Mariona (32), Pelova, Kelly(23), Smith (10), Foord 

Subs: Holmberg (2), Wubben-Moy (6), Russo (18),  Cross (8), Little (15). 

The number represents subs that where brought on to replace the starting player. 

Heatmaps used: Sofa-score. 

Post match analysis: Arsenal thrash OH Leuven 4-0 away in the Champions League play-off what a performance tonight! Here are the things I observed during that match: 

Let's start with possession, whenever Leuven got the ball off of Arsenal, Leuven were quickly dispossessed and Arsenal where on the counter which then would lead to a goal scoring opportunity and at the for front of this was Katie McCabe and Mariona, Katie would quickly dispossess and create a short past to Mariona then Mariona would run quickly and create a long ball into the box to create an opportunity, but if you look at the highlights Codina, McCabe push up into the final third a circle around the area but incase of a quick counter Kelly and Foord are further out on the wing so incase it was to happen Kelly and Foord to get back quickly and help defend. But they where also there to help re-cross the ball back into the box, to me this tactic seemed like organised chaos where everything would happen quickly and put Oh Leuven out of shape and have less people back to defend the goal which created a higher XG rate for Arsenal which is a great tactical choice by Slegers and has been seen in previous games like Chelsea away where Mead was pushed further out would cross it in had more players around the final third and some in the box and Chelsea marking over players then, Mariona would score out of nowhere and again same for Manchester City. Talking more about tactics let's talk about Smith's Yellow Card, now when she picked up the card Sanderson made a comment about the Yellow Card and how it seemed pointless however it makes perfect sense because Smith was close to suspension it makes sense to get the yellow now because if she picked it up in the following legg it would mean she misses Chelsea game at the Emirates which is a crucial match for Arsenal as it could potentially determine the fixture at Stamford Bridge. Staying on the subject of Smith, Smith as 9# works perfectly what a player as a number 9# she is getting those goals for Arsenal she's making connections between Kelly, Foord, Maanum, Mariona etc, think she is a future number 9#. Goalkeeper what a save from Domselaar she waa quite for most of the game thanks to the back for and the overall build of Arsenal's formation but what a save what a save incredible goalkeeper espiecially after coming back from injury. Now let's focus onto the back Four really solid tonight its a good partnership between Williamson and Codina really good communication and when Codina was rushing back to stop the ball Williamson was already there to help along with the fall-backs. McCabe has been outstanding tonight for Arsenal she was helping going forward but also absolutely incredible when it came to defending as a Left Back she was stopping the chances from happening and she would quickly re-counter to get those goals for Arsenal which relates back to the tactics, Fox was good tonight and I thought Holmberg was a brilliant cover for Fox tonight and I can see on future cames RB rotation. Let's move onto Midfielders; Pelova, I felt like she had a better performance tonight than the last few games she did a lot better it was a fantastic shot in the Second Half and I feel like if she keeps doing that she will get fully on form again; so let's look at her heatmap she definitely had a higher impact on the right hand side thats where the majority of the impact was she was creating a lot of chances for Arsenal, she was breaking down defenders inside the box and being on that right hand side work wonders for Pelova, so why don't Arsenal try her as a Right sided Midfielder instead of a 10 role and see how she does, maybe try it next Wednesday. Pelova was also really good a defending and blocking the chances and clearing the ball as well which is fantastic to see overall really pleased for her performance and Pelova if you ever read this I'm right behind you and you've got this good luck and hopefully play in Right Midfield! Partnerships Maanum and Mariona what a partnership in midfield the chemistry like Zubimendi and Rice where in midfield my goodness did it work absolutely class from both of them tonight Mariona tearing defence and breaking through midfield Maanum pressing high and ending up getting two goals fantastic chemistry would like to see it more! Frida Maanum those two goals are living rent free in my head for the rest of my life my goodness these goals where brilliant espiecially the first goal so sneaky tactically. From the goalkeepers perspective she has her eye on Kelly because she knows she can tap it in from there so she's marking her, Foord crosses the ball into Maanum and keeper thinks Maanum is going to pass it Kelly but what does she do? She heads it in and catches the keeper off guard (also in the process Maanum makes herself unmarked in the box) BAM 1-0 and again same thing happens in the Second Half Foord passes it to Maanum catches the keeper off guard and 3-0 what a performance from her tonight absolutely beautiful football tonight from Frida Maanum. Foord what can I say she's smooth as an Aston Martin absolutely outstanding tonight two assists creating chances opening up Leuven what a player in the Champions League that is a player who works in big games for Arsenal, before she was slightly off form now she is getting back on form she's showing her capabilities on the Left and Right and then switching between on the counter to create Maanum's 1st goal absolutely cheeky play and incredible to watch. 

To round off this analysis massive congratulations to Kim Little for reaching 400 appearances for Arsenal what a player to have as a leader, she leads the team through thick and thinn. When something goes wrong she doesn't let the team panic she makes them carry on and go again the determination and resilience Little has is inspirational to see. She has lead the team to victory on numerous occasions Leauge Cup, WSL, Women's Champions Cup, Champions League, FA Cup. She does everything for the team so congratulations Kim you deserve everything your such an incredible human being and player to Kim Little our Skipper for 100 years more!

Heatmaps 🔥 4-0 away Win against Oh Leuven UWCL - Advantage Arsenal