Arsenal defeat Linkoping 3-0 to set up a final against Paris FC on Saturday.

It was certainly a tough, competitive game on Wednesday evening with Arsenal controlling the ball and Linkoping hitting us on the break.

Arsenal should have taken the lead early when they were gifted a penalty for a handball.

Unfortunately, Kim Little’s shot was well saved by Andersson.

Caitlin Foord opened the scoring in the second half after unbelievable work from Little on the right side of the penalty area.

Her cross was perfect for the Australian striker who was unmarked at the far post for the 1-0.

Linkoping then had a good spell of play, creating many chances, but Arsenal scored from a set piece while they were under a lot of pressure.

Katie McCabe sent a free kick into the penalty area and Lina Hurtig jumped well above everyone else to head the ball in for the 2-0 to give Arsenal breathing space.

Stina Blackstenius closed the game late with the third goal, a typical striker’s run at the near post to finish well from a Foord low cross.

It was important to win and Arsenal made sure it happened; they kept a clean sheet thanks to good defending and a bit of luck at times too.

It was interesting to note that all the new available signings were given a start.

Laia Codina is not here in Sweden; we have no information why at the moment. I asked Jonas Eidevall if he was happy with their performance, as they all did very well:

“I think time is essential when we try to develop quality, and we haven’t had much time. So, given our preparation, I thought they were all great today.”

The starting XI was Zinsberger; Maritz, Ilestedt, Wubben-Moy, McCabe; Walti, Little; Lacasse, Maanum, Foord; Russo.

Alessia Russo was preferred to Blackstenius up top and we saw her hold-up play was excellent and she seemed to integrate well in the team play.

Cloe Lacasse on the right wing did really well, made a few excellent runs, and had some crosses and shots. A very good debut.

Amanda Ilestedt was steady in defence, developing her partnership with Lotte Wubben-Moy.

McCabe was selected ahead of Steph Catley and was later moved to right-back when Noelle Maritz went off.

One interesting bit that came when Tim Stillman asked a question about Lacasse is that Gio Queiroz does not really seem to be in Eidevall’s plan for this season.

He mentioned Lacasse and Beth Mead on the right wing and Foord/Hurtig on the left wing.

With Victoria Pelova able to play on the right and McCabe on the left wing, Gio Queiroz is at the back of the pecking order and a loan to a league where the transfer window is still open is surely an option for her to get game time.

Arsenal will now play Paris FC who defeated FC Kryvbas 4-0 thanks to a Dufour hat-trick.

I spoke to their manager Sandrine Soubeyrand on how she will prepare for the group’s final: “We had already started preparation for the game. We looked at a couple of games they played last season and I also watched their game against Linkoping today. We know they are a strong side. We will have to raise our level, but those are the kind of big games you want to play as a player.”

Arsenal will be favourites against a young French side, but they will need to play well to go through.