Kafaji involved when Arsenal avoided new slump

The criticism of Jonas Eidevall will likely continue after Arsenal's league premiere. But the big blunder was avoided – thanks to Rosa Kafaji. The 21-year-old was behind the 2-2 goal against Manchester City in the English Super League.

» Published: September 22 2024

Kafaji involved when Arsenal avoided new slump
Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

Share this article

Eidevall rearranged almost his entire attack compared to the eleven that started in the unexpected 0-1 loss away to Häcken in the Champions League qualifying earlier in the week.

Stina Blackstenius, Frida Maanum, and Caitlin Foord all got the chance in Sunday's league premiere at Emirates Stadium, and it bore fruit even before the clock had reached eight minutes.

Effective City

Foord stormed forward to the right and sent the ball in at an angle into the penalty area. Blackstenius got a foot on it, which became a perfect pass to Maanum, who thundered in 1-0 into the net.

Arsenal dominated heavily in the first half. Therefore, the 1-1 goal came unexpectedly.

A messy situation on the edge of Arsenal's penalty area ended with Vivianne Miedema - new in Manchester City from just Arsenal - getting hold of the ball and shooting via a home defender and into goal.

History repeated itself after the break. Arsenal pressed City, but it was the visitors who showed effectiveness.

A seemingly harmless cross into Arsenal's penalty area was headed away in the 58th minute, but not better than it landed with Jess Park. The 22-year-old let the ball bounce once, pulled away, and got a dream hit - 2-1 to Manchester City via the crossbar.

Kafaji assist via post

Jonas Eidevall has been criticized ever since Arsenal missed the Champions League last year, and a loss in the league premiere would not have strengthened his stock.

But some smart substitutions - including Swedish newcomer Rosa Kafaji and English striker Beth Mead - saved the afternoon.

Kafaji got the ball deep and finished coolly on the inside of City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita. The shot went inside the post, and on the rebound, Mead stayed ahead and pushed in 2-2.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Jonas Jerebko Reacts to European Championship Omission
1 MIN READ

Jonas Jerebko Reacts to European Championship Omission

Colombia Secures World Championship Spot with James Rodriguez's Goal
1 MIN READ

Colombia Secures World Championship Spot with James Rodriguez's Goal

Messi Scores Twice in Emotional Farewell Match in Argentina
2 MIN READ

Messi Scores Twice in Emotional Farewell Match in Argentina

Amanda Anisimova Reaches US Open Final After Overcoming Burnout
2 MIN READ

Amanda Anisimova Reaches US Open Final After Overcoming Burnout

Independiente Disqualified from South American Cup After Chaotic Match
2 MIN READ

Independiente Disqualified from South American Cup After Chaotic Match

Spain Exits Early from European Basketball Championship
1 MIN READ

Spain Exits Early from European Basketball Championship

Björn Borg on Prostate Cancer Battle and Recovery Journey
2 MIN READ

Björn Borg on Prostate Cancer Battle and Recovery Journey

Germany Suffers First Away World Championship Qualifying Loss in 91 Years
1 MIN READ

Germany Suffers First Away World Championship Qualifying Loss in 91 Years

Bäckström Records Assist in Brynäs' CHL Victory Over Klagenfurt
1 MIN READ

Bäckström Records Assist in Brynäs' CHL Victory Over Klagenfurt

Sweden Faces Intense World Championship Qualification Challenge
3 MIN READ

Sweden Faces Intense World Championship Qualification Challenge

Norwegian Striker Cathinka Tandberg Departs Hammarby
1 MIN READ

Norwegian Striker Cathinka Tandberg Departs Hammarby

Swedish Junior Lea Nilsson Advances to US Open Semifinal
1 MIN READ

Swedish Junior Lea Nilsson Advances to US Open Semifinal

Melina Andersson Wins Silver in Canoe Marathon World Championship
1 MIN READ

Melina Andersson Wins Silver in Canoe Marathon World Championship

Liverpool Signs Beata Olsson from Kristianstad in Record Transfer
1 MIN READ

Liverpool Signs Beata Olsson from Kristianstad in Record Transfer

Frölunda and Färjestad Set for Exciting Women's Hockey Rivalry
3 MIN READ

Frölunda and Färjestad Set for Exciting Women's Hockey Rivalry

Slovenia vs Sweden: World Cup Qualifier Match Preview
3 MIN READ

Slovenia vs Sweden: World Cup Qualifier Match Preview

Louise Etzner Jakobsson Wins First European Championship Gold
1 MIN READ

Louise Etzner Jakobsson Wins First European Championship Gold

French Women's Boxing Team Misses World Championship Due to Late Gender Test
2 MIN READ

French Women's Boxing Team Misses World Championship Due to Late Gender Test

Roberth Björknesjö Named New Head Coach of Allsvenska Öster
1 MIN READ

Roberth Björknesjö Named New Head Coach of Allsvenska Öster

Jon Dahl Tomasson Tasked with Leading Sweden to World Championship
3 MIN READ

Jon Dahl Tomasson Tasked with Leading Sweden to World Championship