Vivianne Miedema experienced an excellent general with Arsenal on Saturday in the run-up to the return against Ajax in the last preliminary round of the Women’s Champions League. Arsenal won the derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in front of a record number of fans: 4-0.
Miedema was accurate twice in the London derby, which attracted a record number of more than 47,000 spectators. The previous record in the English league was also in a game between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. In 2019, about 38,000 fans attended the derby.
In the Emirates Stadium, which can accommodate more than 60,000 spectators, England international Bethany Mead opened the score in the fifth minute. On the stroke of half-time, Miedema doubled the margin with a controlled shot past Tottenham keeper Rebecca Spencer.
After the break, Arsenal seriously increased the score against last season’s number five. Brazilian defender Rafaelle made the 3-0, after which Miedema took care of the final chord. Orange’s all-time top scorer headed in a sharp cross from the left flank.
Vivianne Miedema heads in the 4-0.
Vivianne Miedema heads in the 4-0.
Photo: Getty Images
Arsenal will take on Ajax on Wednesday
Thanks to the big win, Arsenal is still clear in the Women’s Super League after two games. The Londoners, who finished second behind Chelsea last season, beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 last week in the season opener.
Arsenal will compete with Ajax at the De Toekomst sports complex on Wednesday for a place in the main tournament of the Women’s Champions League. In the first game, Ajax surprisingly held the English top club to a 2-2 draw.
Arsenal reached the quarter-finals last Champions League season, in which Miedema’s club stranded after a diptych with VfL Wolfsburg. Ajax last played in the main tournament in the 2020/2021 season.
