Ajax 0-1 Arsenal (2-3 agg): Vivianne Miedema’s strike seals Champions League qualification

After Ajax’s late goal at Meadow Park last week, the score was well balanced and neither side was in a hurry to give up much ground. While Arsenal scanned Lize Kop’s goal via Stina Blackstenius, both of the Swede’s efforts were far too tame and the home side were even more toothless in the opening 45 minutes.

However, five minutes after the break, Arsenal broke through. Unable to play a well organized Dutch side, Vivianne Miedema grabbed the match by the scruff of the neck and struck a fine finish to break the deadlock, as powerful as it was precise.

Manager Jonas Eidevall was vocal the entire time, urging his team not to sink too deep, though at times it seemed as if the lashing rain under the gloomy Dutch sky had drowned out his voice.

Though strong defensively, Nadine Noordam was inches from Tiny Hoekstra, with the striker missing her connection for what would have been a tap-in after a complicated build-up game in the Arsenal penalty area.

Still, Arsenal looked good and finished off a fantastic week, although the sight of Rafaelle Souza limping in the first half will be a concern, as will Beth Mead’s withdrawal minutes after she came on as a result of a collision from heads.

For the 14e Arsenal play Champions League football season in a row.