Arsenal began their Champions League title defence with a 2-1 defeat to eight-time champions Lyon at Meadow Park.
All three goals were scored within an explosive first 23 minutes, as Alessia Russo connected with Beth Mead for the game’s opener before the French side hit back twice via Melchie Dumornay.
The Gunners were masters of their own downfall, gifting Dumornay the chance to level after a sloppy mistake from Daphne van Domselaar. Merely four minutes later, a second giveaway by Mariona Caldentey proved equally costly.
Dumornay’s winner was a sublime hit but another example of Arsenal’s carelessness in possession. Lyon, who have never lost on English soil, landed nine shots on target to Arsenal’s five, while generating four big chances – three were missed.
Renee Slegers’ side are now four without victory, having lost to Manchester City in their most recent Women’s Super League outing. They face Brighton at the Emirates on Sunday before a European trip to Benfica.
More to follow.