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Arsenal climb to 3rd in the Champions League following Benfica win

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Arsenal has shown improvement in their recent performances, with two consecutive wins for the first time this season, according to the Daily Cannon. The wins have boosted their position in the Champions League, with the team climbing to third place after defeating Benfica.

Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · Daily Cannon ↗
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Arsenal climb to 3rd in the Champions League following Benfica win
Alessia Russo of Arsenal scores her team’s third goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and SL Benfica at Meadow Park on October 28, 2026 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The full picture

Arsenal has shown improvement in their recent performances, with two consecutive wins for the first time this season, according to the Daily Cannon. The wins have boosted their position in the Champions League, with the team climbing to third place after defeating Benfica. The publication notes that the team's momentum is now positive, and they need to maintain this in their next league game against Villa. A win against Villa is considered crucial to continue their upward climb in the table.

The Daily Cannon highlights changes in Arsenal's starting XI, including Taylor Hinds and Caitlin Foord on the left wing, Olivia Smith up top, and Alessia Russo behind her at number ten. The publication notes that this formation benefits Russo and the team overall, despite not being ideal for Smith. New starters Geraldine Reuteler and Elisa de Almeida also made an impact, with De Almeida expressing satisfaction with her performance and praising her teammates' communication.

The Daily Cannon reports on Arsenal's injury news, stating that Katie Reid is likely to be out until after Christmas due to an ankle knock. Frida Maanum is expected to return to the squad against Villa, while Mariona Caldentey, Chloe Kelly, Michelle Agyemang, and Selina Cerci remain injured. Daphne van Domselaar is close to returning to play. The team's upcoming fixtures, including games against Villa, Barcelona, and Lyon, are considered crucial in determining their league position and Champions League qualification.

At a glance

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Reported
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Daily Cannon ↗
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Clubs covered
Arsenal, Benfica

Attributed publisher reporting. Kickjolly has not independently confirmed the claim.

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Source context

The result means Arsenal are ideally placed before playing the two biggest games in the league phase, away to Barcelona, who are currently top, and OL Lyonnes, who are second. It seems Arsenal have started to turn things round after a poor start of the 2026/27 season. With two wins in a row, for the first time this season the momentum is positive. The next league game against Villa needs to see another win, if the performance is consistent and good enough. There are certainly some improvements in term of attacking a low block seen against Benfica, while we saw against Spurs a fighting spirit and mentality.

Source excerpt · Daily Cannon

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