Beth Mead fires Arsenal past Twente to edge closer to WCL knockout stage

Arsenal put themselves one point away from qualification for the Champions League knockout phase with an industrious victory over Twente thanks to Beth Mead’s first-half finish.

Arsenal’s inconsistent form in the Champions League this season – two wins and two defeats – had placed extra importance on their final two games of the league phase with elimination from the competition not out of the question ahead of the penultimate matchday. They will have been well aware of the threats posed by the visitors who earned a point off Chelsea in their opener. While Corina Dekker’s side have only secured two points in the competition, they boast a developing group of young players who have been catching the eye.

The Gunners came into this encounter on the back of a confidence-boosting win over Liverpool in the league. Renée Slegers freshened things up with two changes with Victoria Pelova and Katie McCabe coming in for Emily Fox and Frida Maanum.

Dekker, meanwhile, has opted to keep her squad stable in this competition, having only made one change across their four games to date. She did, however, make two on this occasion after alluding to the growing fatigue in her squad ahead of the winter break. Imre Van der Vegt came into the backline while exciting Dutch youngster Eva Oude Elberink replaced Charlotte Hulst.

Arsenal made an energetic start as they looked to take the game to their opponents in the early stages. While Twente were pressing high, attempting to challenge the hosts’ control of the ball, it was Slegers’ side who quickly gained a foothold in the game.

Beth Mead jumps for joy after her goal for Arsenal. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

The signs of an opener were inevitable after Pelova saw a shot saved by Diede Lemey and Mead had an effort cleared off the line. They made their pressure count in the 10th minute when the England international bent a low shot into the far corner after strong buildup play.

Arsenal continued to apply the pressure as they looked to establish their lead but they had to be wary of the counterattacking threat of the visitors. Sophie Proost had their best opportunity of the half when she headed an Oude Elberink delivery over at the far post.

Down the other end, Mariona Caldentey saw a powerful shot vitally blocked while Lemey was at full stretch to keep a ball from her own player ending up in the back of the net and there was visible frustration that they were unable to add more of a cushion before the break.

One-nil is always a dangerous score and Twente looked to punish the hosts’ wastefulness. They had a chance immediately after the restart when Oude Elberink broke through the lines at pace. Anneke Borbe, a spectator for much of the match, rushed out to claim bravely, picking up a knock to the face in the process.

A triple change helped Arsenal bring new energy to the game as they began to dominate once more. The end product, however, remained wanting with Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy both seeing chances saved.

Arsenal continued to apply the pressure but the visitors held firm, helped by the woodwork that prevented Russo’s towering header from hitting the back of the net. They finished with a flurry of chances but could not make them count and had to settle for a narrow victory heading into their final game against OH Leuven.