Arsenal were defeated 1-0 away to BK Häcken in Gothenburg to set up a very open second leg next week at Borehamwood.

This is a deficit that can be overturned, if Arsenal can be efficient in front of the goal.

The UEFA statistics are quite clear for the last two games. Arsenal took 43 shots, only nine were on target, 23 were off target and one goal was scored against Rosenborg, none against Häcken. This game brought back the ghost of last season, where attacking was hampered by a lack of creativity and overall poor finishing.

Summer signings Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji were brought in to help solve this problem and they both started yesterday. Jonas Eidevall actually put a few surprises in the starting XI:

Leah Williamson did not start, “That was more a physical decision due to events that happened in the week.”. Kafaji was selected ahead of Maanum but was subbed at half-time with Maanum taking over “That was a tactical decision, both in attack and defence it was a tactical decision.”. Mead got her first start ahead ahead of Foord on the right wing.

Arsenal should be able to qualify should they manage to be more efficient in both penalty area. There were a couple of defensive errors that led to chances for the Swedish side.
There is no doubt that the goal is due to basic defending failure and the ball should have never reached Tindell.

On the attacking side, there was a fantastic save from Falk and two crossbars that prevented us from scoring. What we also saw especially in the second half is a remnant feeling of difficulties facing a low block and players unable to find solutions. Especially as Häcken were very compact centrally and Arsenal were unable to find opening down the wings.

The return of the off the ball lack of movement and creative play, does raise the question why Kafaji was subbed off at half-time and why Kühl – who has the ability to break lines via passing or runs with the ball – were not used more. Having a different profile on the bench and not using them is not helping the team.

If things go stale, some leadership on the ball, and vocally as well, must happen. Someone has to lead the team on the pitch and makes things happen. Players seems to freeze at times and forget to take any initiative, the same way it was last season.

This game shows the team is a work in progress, but with the games coming thick and fast starting with a key League opener against Manchester City on Sunday, Jonas Eidevall and the team have to be spot on and perform for the upcoming three fixtures.