UWCL 2021/21: Wolfsburg Women’s resistance increased the intrigue despite Arsenal’s dominance – tactical analysis

Arsenal Women hosted VfL Wolfsburg Women in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals, which ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving the pressure on for their next meeting in Germany.

Wolfsburg scored an opener early on, thanks to Tabea Waßmuth’s strong positioning and constant aim to threaten the goal. Arsenal met quite a lot of resistance and their inefficiency in attack was about to cost them the three points, but they managed to convert a late set-piece opportunity into a goal and equalise in the 89^th minute.

Despite being more efficient in and out of possession and creating quite a few chances, Arsenal lacked the finishing to really test Almuth Schult and take advantage of their chances. Wolfsburg relied on breaking through the right flank in attack but also tried to create some chances on a counter, which increased the threat in front of the opposition’s goal. However, the Londoners’ pressing efforts turned out enough to limit Wolfsburg’s movement and keep them away from scoring again.

In this tactical analysis, we examine both teams’ tactics in the game and explain how they managed to expose each other.

Lineups and formations

Jonas Eidevall, Arsenal’s head coach, opted for a 4-4-2 formation, which he rarely goes for, being drawn more towards the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1.

Manuela Zinsberger covered the goal and the defence consisted of Stephanie Catley, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Leah Williamson and Noelle Maritz. Wubben-Moy ended up as the only goalscorer for the team in the game, while both full-backs were constantly pushing forward and supporting the actions in the opposition half.

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