Mariona Caldentey’s dramatic 93rd-minute penalty secured a narrow victory for Arsenal against HB Køge in their Champions League opener, providing a much-needed boost for the struggling team.

The match, held at Meadow Park, saw Arsenal dominate possession but struggle to convert opportunities, leaving manager Renée Slegers visibly frustrated. She remarked, “It was a mentality and resilience win today... but we get the goal as a squad.” Despite the victory, questions lingered about the team's inability to finish chances, a problem described as multifaceted by Slegers.

Key highlights from the match include:

• Caitlin Foord's assist to Chloe Kelly, which was ruled offside by VAR.
• A goalless first half, emblematic of Arsenal's sluggish start to the season with just five points from three Women’s Super League matches.
• Køge manager Kristian Mørch's tactical celebrations that frustrated Arsenal players, showcasing their determination to maintain morale.

As the match progressed, Køge put up a strong defensive performance, but a foul by Yukina Sakabe on Selina Cerci led to the decisive penalty, which Caldentey converted, much to the relief of the home crowd.

While the win alleviated some immediate pressure, the looming match against Chelsea raises concerns about Arsenal’s finishing woes, leaving fans anxious about the season ahead.