Arsenal’s Euro stars looking for success on parallel lines

Hosting Lyon at the Emirates this afternoon in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-final, the Gunners are embracing their one-club’ mentality, writes Jamie Braidwood

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The early May bank holiday of 2023 is a significant date in Arsenal’s history. It was the first time the club had sold out the Emirates for a women’s match, paving the way for Arsenal to commit to hosting the majority of the team’s games at their main stadium. But, on a defiant, thrilling night in north London, Arsenal were defeated in the Women’s Champions League semifinals. Wolfsburg progressed 5-4 on aggregate with a goal in the final minute of extra time.

Almost two years on, Arsenal’s semi-final first leg against the eight-time European champions Lyon stands as their biggest match since that historic occasion. The ambition of turning the Emirates into Arsenal’s home has been realised; the power of that collective approach was felt in their quarter-final comeback against Real Madrid. Under the calm guidance of Renee Slegers, Arsenal appear to be peaking at the right time. “That was a big moment for us,” the Dutch coach said.

A season that began so poorly under Jonas Eidevall has been saved by the Champions League, with Arsenal now two games away from reaching a first final since their last European title in 2007. If there is an easy comparison to be made with Mikel Arteta’s side – beyond the fact they also demolished Real Madrid in a Champions League quarter-final – then that may also be appropriate: it goes deeper, into the culture Arsenal have created.