Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler had a day to forget as her error helped Arsenal on their way to a decisive Champions League victory over the weekend.
How Christiane Endler’s Blunder Helped The Gunners
Arsenal started on the front foot at the Emirates, but were stunned when Jule Brand cut in from the left flank and drilled a superb effort into the corner to give Lyon an early lead.
The Gunners grew into the game after the break, but it took a piece of luck for them to draw level on 58 minutes.
Mariona Caldentey’s bouncing free-kick caught Christiane Endler off guard, and the Lyon goalkeeper fumbled the ball into the path of team-mate Ingrid Engen, who was unfortunately to be credited with the own goal as she stretched to clear.
Arsenal then took the lead when Olivia Smith pounced on another defensive mix-up between Endler and Engen, passing the ball into an empty net to seal a 2-1 victory.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal now take a one-goal advantage into the second leg at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium on Saturday 2 May, with a second successive Champions League final appearance firmly in their sights.
They’ll then turn their attention back to making up their games in-hand in the WSL, with matches against Villa, Brighton, Everton, and Liverpool still to play.
Image courtesy of www.arsenal.com.
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