Three Things We Learned from Arsenal Women’s 6-0 win over AS FAR
A controlled win in a new competition underlined midfield balance, effective rotation, and an Arsenal side one step from silverware, writes Daisy Goodhand.
Arsenal’s 6-0 win over AS FAR did exactly what it needed to do. It was professional, dominant, and quietly instructive. Against unfamiliar opposition in a brand-new competition, this was less about spectacle and more about understanding what worked and why.
As Arsenal booked their place in Sunday’s final against Brazilian side Corinthians at the Emirates, there were clear takeaways from a performance that felt calm, cohesive, and refreshingly efficient.
1 – Midfield balance – and rotation that actually worked
This felt like one of the most balanced midfield performances Arsenal have produced under Renée Slegers.
Victoria Pelova, back in her preferred role within the double pivot, looked far more comfortable. There was a clarity to her game; receiving on the half-turn, moving the ball quickly, and contributing without forcing anything. Alongside her, the midfield as a whole functioned smoothly, with Frida Maanum getting on the scoresheet and Mariona Caldentey driving Arsenal forward with purpose.
What made this especially encouraging was the rotation. Arsenal have struggled at times when moving away from the familiar Kyra Cooney-Cross, Kim Little, Mariona Caldentey combination. Too often, alternative partnerships have brought a noticeable drop-off. Here, though, the balance held. Players understood their roles, trusted the system, and executed it regardless of personnel or opposition level. That adaptability feels like a genuine strength.
2 – Set pieces finally showing signs of life
I’ve been critical of Arsenal’s set-piece threat this season, so it’s only fair to acknowledge when there’s progress.
The aerial presence of Lotte Wubben-Moy and Laia Codina made a clear difference. Arsenal looked far more purposeful in dead-ball situations, with clearer targets and better structure in the box. There was intent rather than hope, and that matters.
It’s still an area that needs consistency, but this was a step in the right direction, and one that could prove valuable in tighter games, particularly in knockout football.
3 – Rotation, depth, and taking chances
Perhaps the most reassuring aspect of the performance was how well Arsenal managed rotation without losing rhythm. The system held regardless of who came on, and the connections between players remained sharp.
The fullback pairing of Taylor Hinds and Smilla Holmberg worked particularly well. Holmberg was lively throughout, confident in possession, eager to overlap, and unlucky not to get on the scoresheet herself. Hinds complemented her nicely, and the balance between the two allowed Arsenal to stretch the game effectively.
Alessia Russo’s substitute appearance was another reminder of her quality. Two goals, taken with composure, and a timely response after recent criticism of Arsenal’s finishing. After weeks of low scorelines and missed opportunities, this felt like a clear statement: when the chances come, Arsenal can still be ruthless.
What it means now
This competition has brought about a different challenge. New opponents, new styles, and unfamiliar contexts, and Arsenal have navigated it well so far. Sunday’s final against Corinthians offers a chance to do something genuinely special: become the first Champions Cup winners on home soil.
There’s no need to overcomplicate what comes next. The platform is there. The system is bedding in. The squad is showing it can rotate and still perform.
One more game stands between them and a trophy, and now it’s about finishing the job.