Arsenal Women were held to a 2-2 draw by Paris FC in the UEFA Women's Champions League on Wednesday night, squandering a two-goal advantage. Georgia Stanway scored her first goals for the club since her summer arrival, but defensive lapses in the second half cost the Gunners a victory in the league stage.
Alessia Russo opened the scoring four minutes before half-time, finishing a move she started with a sharp turn and shot after a pass from Stanway. The England midfielder then doubled the lead herself five minutes after the restart, capitalising on sustained pressure. Arsenal's control faded, however, and Clara Mateo pulled one back for the hosts on 72 minutes after a swift counter-attack. The equaliser came from the penalty spot with three minutes of normal time remaining, Maeline Mendy converting after a foul by Leah Williamson.
Assistant coach Aaron D'Antino, who addressed the media in place of manager Renee Slegers, defended the penalty decision while acknowledging the team's need to improve. He stated that the team must find better ways to get the ball to Williamson in build-up play. The result extends Arsenal's mixed start to the season, leaving them seventh in the Women's Super League with five points from four games.
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Arsenal could not see the game out. Stanway received a yellow card for a foul shortly after her goal, one of several moments where discipline wavered. The team now turns its focus to a massive domestic test, facing league leaders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
