Mariona Caldentey names key factor behind Arsenal women's semi-final win

Mariona Caldentey has revealed that mental readiness and focus played a key role in Arsenal Women’s 6-0 win against AS-FAR.

The victory confirmed Arsenal Women’s spot in the Women’s Championship Cup finals. They will now face Brazilian side Corinthians in the final of the competition.

Caldentey was among the goal scorers during the one-sided encounter. The Spanish forward scored Arsenal’s third goal of the game.

After the final whistle, Caldentey spoke about the challenge of facing an unfamiliar opponent. AS-FAR were a side Arsenal Women had never faced before this contest.

Caldentey explained how the team approached the situation mentally. She admitted that preparing for an unknown team is never easy.

Caldentey on facing an unknown opponent

Speaking after the match, Caldentey was asked how Arsenal handled the lack of familiarity. She explained that analysis alone does not always give a full picture.

“That’s hard, right? Because you don’t really know a lot of them or how they are as a team.
“You try to analyse, but it’s not the same when you watch on the TV than when you actually feel it on the pitch, but I think we were just ready mentally and trying to focus on our game, so that was what worked for us.”

Arsenal’s focus was clear across the ninety minutes. They controlled the tempo and limited AS-FAR’s impact on the game.
The early goals also helped settle any nerves within the squad.

Momentum building for Arsenal Women

Caldentey also spoke about Arsenal’s recent form and growing confidence. She admitted that the team experienced some difficulties earlier in the year.

“I feel like now we are building back momentum. We struggled a bit in the beginning of the year, so it feels nice now that we change it so we’ll try hard to keep it like that and go on Sunday again.”

Her words reflected the positive feeling within the Arsenal camp. The performance against AS-FAR showed signs of renewed belief.

Arsenal Women will look to carry this momentum into the final. The final against Corinthians will be their next challenge.

The Gunners will hope their recent form continues. They now stand one match away from lifting the inaugural trophy.

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