Williamson Handball Costs Arsenal Win vs Paris FC — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Arsenal drew 2-2 with Paris FC in the Women's Champions League league phase after surrendering a two-goal advantage built by the 50th minute, with Clara Mateo scoring in the 72nd minute before Mendy's equalizer.
- Leah Williamson was called for a handball after picking up a stationary ball during what she believed was a goal kick; keeper Misa had kicked (rather than rolled) the ball forward, which under the laws put it back in play before Williamson handled it.
- Maeline Mendy, 19, dispatched the 87th-minute penalty to level the match after the late penalty was awarded.
- Arsenal have now won just two of six matches in all competitions this season, with this being their third draw, a stretch manager Renée Slegers must turn around.
- Alessia Russo took five shots against Paris FC but many came from poor positions, highlighting Arsenal's finishing struggles and the void left by Beth Mead's departure to Manchester City.
- Paris FC are making only their third league or group phase UWCL appearance ever, all within the last four years, and were looking to end a five-match losing streak against English opposition.
- Only the top four teams in the UWCL league phase skip Qualifying, with sides fifth through 12th entering playoff qualifying — a fate Arsenal will look to avoid.
Why it matters: Arsenal's form crisis — two wins from six matches with three draws — puts manager Renée Slegers under mounting pressure as they chase Manchester City in the WSL, while dropped points in the UWCL league phase make securing a top-four finish (needed to skip playoff Qualifying) harder to reach.
Ask SkimNews
