Lyon are nearing closer and closer to the champions league final, but they have to get past Arsenal in order to do so. This match isn’t going to be easy, especially with this first match being played in Arsenal’s stadium. It’s always hard to win games in an opposing team’s stadium, but if there is one team who can do it, it’s Lyon.

Lyon and Arsenal are pretty split. They both have strong midfield and attacks, capable of getting forward, creating chances, and grabbing goal. I was able to catch a few of Arsenal’s games and what caught my eye was how often they were able to win back possession and get forward. They definitely create a lot of chances, but kind of like Lyon sometimes, they will struggle to score. It doesn’t make their attack any less dangerous. Lyon has to watch out for Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Stina Blacksteinius, Caitlin Foord, Mariona Caldentey and so on.

Lyon, as we know, has a strong attack. Chawinga, Diani and Dumornay have been doing great, I’ve especially been enjoying Dumornay. She’s been great in front of goal. I can definitely see these three breaking through Arsenal’s backline and defense and creating many chances. I’ve talked about it before, but I love Chawinga when it comes to Lyon’s counterattack. She’s fast and connects well with Diani and Dumornay. Because I see possession being split between both Diani and Arsenal. (Joke). Anyway because I see possession going 50-50 between Lyon and Arsenal, Lyon’s counterring is going to be important. It’s where Chawinga is going to come into play more. At the same time, I really want to see Chawinga come alive more and really utilize her pace and movement.

As for Lyon’s backline and defense, I’m not too concerned. In the quarterfinal, Lyon were able to hold off Bayern Munich’s attack really well. I think they’ll be able to fend off Arsenal’s attack.

When it comes to Lyon’s midfield, they’ll likely face some challenge there. That is probably an area where I’m concerned for Lyon the most, especially when you look at Arsenal’s midfield Kelly, Caldentey, Maanum, and Nighswonger, as well as Pelova, Kafaji, and Cooney-Cross. Lyon needs to put up a fight in the midfield and really keep control. The last thing they want is to be stuck on the defensive. But then again, that could very well be the strategy. Just allow Arsenal to attack to their hearts content, then utilise Chawinga, Diani and Dumornay on the counter.

Right off the bat, it is surprising to see Montemurro starting Sombath over Wendie Renard in the backline. Given Renard’s experience, she is usually good when it comes to managing the backline. You would think Montemurro would want more experience dealing with Mead, Russo, and Foord in the Arsenal attack. Renard is available off the bench, and we could still see her in second half. Perhaps alongside Tarciane, who is also availble.

Up top, we have that same front three Dumornay, Chawinga and Diani. No problems there. These three will definitely be able to get forward and create chances. As mentioned previously, Chawinga needs to utilize her pace more, especially when it comes to getting past Emily Fox in Arsenal’s backline. Dumornay and Diani will likely be okay, as long as they can get open.

It is kind of surprising Manuela Zinsberger is starting in goal for Arsenal. Many Arsenal fans have expressed frustration with Zinsberger in the past.

Then we come to Lyon’s midfield. Damaris will be busy, but so will Heaps and Van de Donk. The question that comes to mind is: can Lyon’s midfield maintain control? Granted, Heaps and Van de Donk are great getting involved in the attack; however, maintaining control of the midfield is going to be important for getting forward and being able to connect with Diani, Dumornay, and Chawinga. Lyon will definitely face some challenge in the midfield with Little, Maanum, and Caldentey.

First Half Notes

Arsenal 0-1 Olympique Lyon.

It was an all right first half for Lyon. Probably not their greatest, but you can kind of see what Lyon is getting at. Lyon are being more clinical and tactical when it comes to picking their chances and getting forward. If you notice, Lyon may not have had the most possession, and they may not have created a lot of chances. However, Diani, Dumornay and Chawinga have been dangerous whenever they were on the ball, and getting forward. They have been successful at breaking through Arsenal’s backline.

It was a good goal by Diani in the 17th minute. It was originally called offside, but when checked by VAR, it was given as a goal. As for Dumornay, she did well in this first half. She has been getting closer and closer to scoring.

What needs to happen in the second half is, Lyon needs to regain more control especially in the midfield and centrally. Lyon for most of the first half were inviting Arsenal to attack them. While we have seen them do this against Bayern in the second leg of the quarterfinal, it may not be a lasting strategy when it comes to Arsenal.

Arsenal has been aggressive. They’re putting a lot of pressure on Lyon in the midfield and backline. In order for Lyon to counter this, they have to be quicker with their movement, touches, passes, etc.

When it comes to Lyon’s backline and defense, there are some nervy moments back there. Lyon needs to be careful playing out the back, but so far the backline is managing things well.

Lyon should still be okay in the second half, but they need to turn up their pace and intensity.

Second Half and Closing Notes

Olympique Lyon Wins 1-2.

It was a pretty good performance from Lyon. They appeared to have come alive more after Arsenal converted that penalty. It was a good look by Majri to spot Dumornay on the run, and a great finish and goal from Dumornay to put Lyon back in front.

This second half was identical to the first half. Lyon appeared to be inviting Arsenal to attack them more and more, while picking their own moments carefully. Lyon were doing a great job, fending off Arsenal’s attack.

However, in the 77th minute, Endler would catch an Arsenal player behind the head as she was going for the ball. VAR would award Arsenal a penalty kick, which Caldentey would convert, tying things up 1-1. Looking back, you can only defend for so long. You are bound to make a mistake or two, which was the case for Lyon and Endler.

Arsenal was still very aggressive with their attack. They kept the most possession and created many dangerous chances. However, Lyon’s backline and defense came through in a multiple big ways.

As for Lyon’s midfield and attack, they faced a lot of pressure from Arsenal, and you could say Arsenal was more successful in the midfield. However, it was noticeable that Lyon were not trying to battle for midfield control all that much. That would probably be too exhausting in the long run, and they would likely lose those midfield battles. It goes back to Lyon’s strategy of picking their moments carefully, and making Arsenal think they have the upper hand, until they don’t. Overall, it was a very clinical performance.