Since February, Arsenal lost for the first time as Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala scored one goal and provided one assist to help her new side beat her old club 4-1 in their Women’s Champions League Group C opener. Marina Caldentey gave the opener from a rebound from an Oshoala shot for the first.
Asisat Oshoala Lead Barca to Cause Riot Against Arsenal
The Nigerian Oshoala ran down the right-wing, squared it for Alexia Putellas to slot home, and added a third herself from a sublime Mariona through ball. Frida Maanum bundled in a consolation for the visitors before Lieke Martens chipped in the fourth for the holders.
Putellas should have made it 5-1 deep into stoppage time, but Manuela Zinsberger saved her penalty. 26-year-old Asisat Oshoala played for Arsenal from March 2016 to February 2017, helping them win the FA Cup, and did not celebrate her goal at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
It took Arsenal 55 minutes to shoot, with Vivianne Miedema’s weak effort rolling straight to goalkeeper Sandra Panos. The Gunners did create more chances as the game wore on, with Nikita Parris having a shot cleared off the line shortly before Maanum struck. Arsenal has been unbeaten in 20 games in all competitions, going back to February.
Unfortunately for them, Asisat Oshoala, their former player, helped Barcelona break that record. Barca had also won all their matches this season five in the league. This was the first time they hit fewer than five goals in a game.
