Arsenal cemented control of their Champions League group by recording a tricky victory over Juventus at the Emirates Stadium.
Vivianne Miedema scored the only goal, a superb half-volley from Stina Blackstenius’ cross in the 16th minute.
Juventus looked more likely to score in the second half but failed to find the killing blow in a lackluster encounter.
Arsenal top Group C and face Lyon next week with just one point to progress.
After an early chance to see Juventus’ Barbara Bonansea fire a 12-yard shot which Manuela Zinsberger saved with her leg before Lineth Beerensteyn hit the rebound, the Gunners settled into the game.
The hosts, however, lacked ruthlessness in front of goal as Miedema, Blackstenius and Katie McCabe all posed a threat, but the Gunners could only get one of their 14 shots to count.
Blackstenius found the back of the net when Caitlin Foord’s pass freed her, but the Swedish striker’s run was timed too early and the goal was scored for offside.
But Blackstenius’ cross, which eluded Juventus keeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, found Miedema unmarked at the far post and she struck home on the half-volley for her third goal in as many games.
Juventus boss Joe Montemurro, back at Arsenal for the first time since leaving the London club in 2021, said before the game it would be ‘special’ to play at the Emirates but saw his side struggle to enter the game.
The Italians were more energetic in the second half but failed to create any meaningful chances and will face Zurich next week in a bid to keep their qualification hopes alive in a tough group.
Had Lyon been stopped by Zurich on Wednesday, Arsenal could have progressed to the knockout stage, but the 4-0 win for the eight-time European champions means the Gunners will have to wait until they come face to face with face next week at the Emirates Stadium.
Miedema thriving after furlough
It was certainly not a vintage performance from Arsenal as they had chances to add to their lead and, on another night, could have been punished for their failure to be clinical in north London.
But as Arsenal’s injuries continue, with Beth Mead, Kim Little and Lina Hurtig still sidelined, Miedema’s return to form will bring welcome relief to boss Jonas Eidevall.
Since Manchester United ended Arsenal’s 14-game winning streak in the WSL in November, it has scored Arsenal’s only three goals.
Before her strike proved the difference on Wednesday, she scored the only goal against Everton in the league on Saturdaywhile his head in Italy ensured a points against Juve fifteen days ago.
The Dutch striker was granted leave in November and spoke this week about the importance of players not being afraid to take breaks if they need to.
It looks like the break worked wonders as their all-time top scorer looked dynamic as usual, diving deep to win the ball back and creating chances.
England captain Leah Williamson started her first game since returning from a foot injury and Rafaelle Souza came on as her second-half substitute, making her first appearance on her return from injury.
