Arsenal overturn first leg defeat to go through to the Champions League semi Finals

Arsenal overturn first leg defeat to go through to the Champions League semi Finals
By: Gordon from statstriker.com

With a list of key injuries Arsenal had truly been written off as contenders for any silverware this season but what a difference a couple of weeks can make as they are now gunning for a treble! 

They overcame a 1-0 first-leg deficit and secured their place in the Women's Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday against Bayern Munich thanks to an incredible first-half performance.

It ends an incredible month for the Gunners, who defeated Chelsea in the League Cup final on March 5 to break a four-year trophy drought.

"It's been a long-term goal of mine to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League," said manager Jonas Eidevall. "It's an incredible achievement that we are so proud of.

"I told the players before the game that our performance in the League Cup final told me we had potential [to win] when we get things perfect. It doesn't mean it's easy and we can do every time, but if we have that potential wouldn't it be incredible and beautiful to bring that to this competition too? "

With just three points separating them from WSL leaders Manchester United with seven games left, they can now look ahead to a European semi-final. With three trophies still within reach.

"Process is really important and results create belief," said Eidevall. "It means the things you are doing, you are more inclined to do again when you win football matches from it.

"This month has given us [the results] and hopefully that creates a lot of belief as well."

In front of more than 20,000 spectators, a record attendance for a women's European game played in England, victory offered Eidevall and his squad a "unique" occasion to celebrate with the fans.

The Swede rated their performance as their best at the bigger stadium throughout his tenure with the team.

"It was special when I came here and we beat Chelsea 3-2 in my first game but that was limited time we had worked here," said Eidevall.

"This feels like 20 months' combination of work going into a double header against one of the best teams in Europe at the moment. I'm very proud of that."

He said he believed the familiarity of playing at the Emirates this season had played a part in their success, and it was a "realistic vision" to make it a permanent home for the women's team in the future.

"It's been absolutely fundamental, that without us being able to experience playing here so many times, but also to get supporters here to experience it so many times with us," said Eidevall.

"I really hope that it continues to push. I get the sense of belief that we're seeing history getting created very quickly in front of our eyes when I see how the attendances and the culture is here at the Emirates Stadium.

"Five years ago, if someone would have said that Arsenal's long-term plan is to move permanently to Emirates Stadium, people would probably have asked 'how is that going to happen?

"But now I think people understand that might be a realistic vision for the future."

The fact that Arsenal's recent success has been achieved without their star forwards Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead who are both injured, makes the team's recent success all the more impressive.

After initially struggling in front of goal, they have found an answers. Striker Stina Blackstenius stepped up at the Emirates, delivering the second goal and impressing with her overall play.

"That's a really big turning point for this Arsenal team because previously she had not been doing that. The level of performance she delivered was really impressive," said ex-England defender Laura Bassett on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"What impresses me the most about Arsenal this season is the amount of adversity they have overcome. To reach the semi-finals of the Champions League is huge.

"The more you can get used to this feeling, the more it can drive you on."

Barcelona, the back to back finalists, are still very much in the running, whilst current holders Lyon must come from behind to beat Arsenal's WSL rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tonight.  So there  There is still strong opposition around them but can Arsenal make history and claim another crown.

Former England defender Gilly Flaherty told BBC Radio 5 Live they "believe they can go the whole way".

She added: "Eidevall is confident Arsenal can beat anybody.

"If they get the gameplan right, they're confident. They were unbelievable and thoroughly deserved the win. They won't fear whoever is next."