Arsenal vs Valerenga - LIVE!

Arsenal have begun life without Jonas Eidevall with victory over Valerenga in the Women’s Champions League. Last week’s 5-2 loss against Bayern Munich left interim boss Renee Slegers needing to oversee a victory at the Emirates Stadium and the hosts got off to the perfect start when Emily Fox was in the right place at the right time to sweep the ball into the back of the net as early as the second minute.

Caitlin Foord doubled Arsenal's lead on the half hour mark as she fired the ball into the roof of the net after Beth Mead had been denied. However, there was to be no clean sheet for the Gunners to celebrate as Olaug Tvedten found the bottom corner following good work from Karina Sævik.

Strikes from Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo in the final five minutes added gloss to the scoreline and Arsenal move up the table to second, level on points with Juventus, whom they play home and away next month, by virtue of a superior goal difference.

Arsenal vs Valerenga latest news

• GOAL! Russo scores deep into stoppage-time

• GOAL! Caldentey effectively seals victory

• GOAL! Tvedten gets visitors back in it

• GOAL! Foord doubles lead for Gunners

• GOAL! Fox gives Arsenal perfect start

FT: Arsenal 4-1 Valerenga

21:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Arsenal secure the win!

It was far from perfect and things could have gone awry in the second half, but the Gunners are up and running in this season's Women's Champions League.

GOAL! Arsenal 4-1 Valerenga | Alessia Russo 90+3'

21:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

90+2 min: Alessia Russo has her goal. That’s her first in nine appearance, goal drought over.

Arsenal 3-1 Valerenga

21:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

89 min: Valerenga are still pushing for a goal as they force a corner as we approach injury time.

Arsenal defend this set-piece well and three minutes of added time is signalled.

GOAL! Arsenal 3-1 Valerenga | Mariona Caldentey 85'

21:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

85 min: Surely that wraps up the game for Arsenal. Really good play as Russo squares the ball for Mariona Caldentey who makes no mistake.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

83 min: Codina is the second Arsenal player in the book.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

82 min: Oh that was the chance!

Blackstenius is slipped in but she attempts to round the goalkeeper and is denied.

From the rebound, Maanum sees her effort blocked.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

80 min: Into the final 10 at the Emirates, Arsenal aren’t exactly holding on, nor do they look like scoring again but it’s vital they see this out.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

77 min: Arsenal sub

On: Blackstenius

Off: Foord

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

74 min: Good work from Sævik as he gets the better of Codina once again and stands the ball up to the back post.

Fortunately for Arsenal, Fox is around on the cover to make a clearance.

Huge final 15 minutes.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

72 min: Free-kick in a promising position for Arsenal, let’s see what this brings.

Delivery is not great and is easily dealt with by Thomsen.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

66 min: Foord is the second player shown a yellow card tonight as she brings down Heiðarsdóttir.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

63 min: Bit of a reshuffle from Arsenal after those changes.

Foord has switched over to the left-hand side with Mariona taking up a position on the right.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

60 min: Double change for Arsenal.

On: Catley and Maanum

Off: Mead and McCabe

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

58 min: Arsenal have struggled defending corners this season and there’s a nervous energy in the air as Valerenga are awarded one.

However, Thomsen’s inswinging cross is cleared away at the near post. That’s got to be frustrating for the travelling supporters.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

55 min: Williamson with a strike from long range that is easily claimed by Enblom.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

52 min: It should be all square.

Superb work from Karina Sævik to create a chance but she shoots over the bar.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

21:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

48 min: Positive start to the second half from Arsenal as Codina takes aim from long range, but her effort is kept out by Enblom.

Back underway!

21:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Up and running in the second-half!

First-half thoughts

20:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

It’s been an entertaining watch so far.

10 shots and seven on target for the hosts, four shots and two on target for Valerenga and, of course, three goals.

HT: Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

20:49 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

And there is the whistle for half-time.

Much improved performance from Arsenal and the reward for their strong start was a 2-0 lead after half an hour. However, they've let the visitors back into this one to set the second half up nicely.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

20:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

45+1 mins: Three minutes of added time signalled and we’re into the first.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

20:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

44 min: Enblom has been in fine form for Valerenga tonight as she once again denies Russo.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

20:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

43 min: Just a couple of minutes left until the break, Arsenal look intent to sure they go in with their lead intact.

Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga

20:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

40 min: Arsenal press from the front and Caldentey wins the ball in a dangerous area but Kovacs recovers well to force a corner.

GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Valerenga | Olaug Tvedten 34'

20:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

34 min: The curse of the commentator!

Arsenal looking rather comfortable but one lapse in concentration at the back allows Tvedten to reduce the deficit.

Game on!

Arsenal 2-0 Valerenga

20:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

33 min: The second goal arrived at the perfect time for Arsenal as Valerenga were slowly creeping back into the game.

The hosts do look hungry for goals, in particular Alessio Russo, and there’s plenty of time left in this one.

GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Valerenga | Caitlin Foord 30'

20:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

30 min: Arsenal double their lead as Caitlin Foord is on hand to convert from close range after Enblom had saved from Meade.

Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga

20:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

28 min: A flurry of chances for Arsenal.

First Williamson’s header comes back of the post before Enblom saves from Little and twice from Russo.

Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga

20:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

25 min: Despite conceding inside the first two minutes, Valerenga have given a decent account of themselves.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have been rather sloppy with their passing in recent minutes.

Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga

20:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

22 min: From the resulting corner Stølen Godø makes contact with the ball but her effort doesn’t trouble Van Domselaar.

Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga

20:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

21 min: First real opportunity for Valerenga as Thomsen forces Van Domselaar into a decent save.

Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga

20:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

17 min: That’s the first yellow card of the game.

Thorsnes, wearing number nine but playing at centre-back, goes into the book for a strong challenge on Russo.

Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga

20:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

16 min: Really important interception from Williamson as Valerenga looked to hit Arsenal in transition.

Yet to see a great deal from the visitors as an attacking force.

Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga

20:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

13 min: Nice and confident start from Arsenal considering the circumstances coming into the game.

Sharp crisp passing in midfield and playing a lot more quicker than they have of late as Fox forces a corner.

Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga

20:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

9 min: Russo is coming into the game now, good run down the channel but her shot is kept out by Enblom at the near post.

Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga

20:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

8 min: GOOO....NO!

Slick play from Arsenal as Little slips in Russo who fires the ball into the back of the net but the goal is disallowed for offside.

Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga

20:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

6 min: Balls into the box are proving to be a concern for Arsenal.

This time Heiðarsdóttir loops a header onto the top of the net after a slip from Fox at the back post.

Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga

20:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

3 min: Nervy moment for Arsenal as a Valerenga in-swinging corner from the left deceives Van Domselaar but the ball clears the far post.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Valerenga | Emily Fox 2'

20:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

2 min: What a start for Arsenal as Emily Fox breaks the deadlock inside the first minute.

Shouts of handball in the build-up are waved away and the goal stands.

KICK-OFF!

20:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

We are underway in this Women's Champions League Group C clash!

Here we go!

19:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Players walk through the tunnel and out onto the pitch.

Time to hear the Champions League anthem before the player handshakes and then kick-off.

Renee Slegers on Valerenga test

19:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Speaking to TNT Sport ahead of kick-off, Arsenal interim head coach Renee Slegers had a warning for her side who are favourites to beat Valerenga.

"I think we can not underestimate the opposition, they are very good at what they do," she said. "We saw what they did against Juventus, they were very brave.

"We are prepared for a very strong opposition."

Tonight's Women’s Champions League results

19:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Two matches down and two away victories so far, is that a sign for the remaining two matches?

Kick-off fast approaching.

19:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Just under 15 minutes to go until kick-off in North London.

After the major departure this week and below-par start to the season, a win is crucial for Arsenal tonight.

The Arsenal dressing room

19:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Behind the scenes at the Emirates, as the Arsenal dressing room is prepared ahead of kick-off.

Bayern latest

19:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Bayern have doubled their lead against Juventus.

It’s looking like maximum points from their first two games in Group C.

Valerenga danger

19:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Despite a narrow defeat against Juventus last week, Valerenga bounced back in style at the weekend by beating Lyn 3-0.

Michaela Kovacs and Karina Saevik were both on the scoresheet in that game and they start tonight.

The visitors take in their surroundings

19:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

This is the first ever meeting between the two sides.

After suffering defeats on matchday one, it's a must-win game for both.

Valerenga team news

18:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Valerenga Starting XI: Enblom; Horte, Thorsnes, Kovacs; Thomsen, Vickius, Bjelde, Heidarsdottir; Stolen Godo, Tvedten; Saevik

Subs: Erichsen, Grinde-Hansen, Olsen, Lindwall, Sesay, Arnesen, Enger

One change for Arsenal

18:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Interim head coach Renee Slegers against shaking things up tonight.

The one change from the side that lost to Chelsea on Saturday sees Laia Codina return in place of Lotte Wubben-Moy at centre-back.

Arsenal team news

18:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Arsenal Starting XI: Van Domselaar, Fox, Codina, Williamson, Mariona, Mead, Little (C), McCabe, Walti, Foord, Russo

Subs: Zinsberger, Williams, Catley, Reid, Cooney-Cross, Kuhl, Maanum, Kafaji, Hurtig, Godfrey, Lia, Blackstenius

Captain speaks

18:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Arsenal captain Kim Little has rallied the troops ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash against Valerenga.

"Including myself, there have been several players who have been at this club a long time, which I think in times like this is incredibly helpful,” she said. “Of course, it's a responsibility of mine and other leaders who've been at the club a long time and are in those roles to step up.

The stage is set

18:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Not long to go until kick-off at the Emirates Stadium.

We're expecting the stands to start filling up fairly soon...

18:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Arsenal preparations

Arsenal’s preparations for tonight’s game have been affected by the departure of Jonas Eidevall as head coach.

Nevertheless the players have been put through their paces in training and spirits were high.

18:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Renee Slegers shares approach

It has been a quick turnaround for Renee Slegers following the departure of Jonas Eidevall as head coach on Tuesday.

The Gunners' interim coach has outlined her approach to the job as she aims to get the side back to winning ways.

“I’m happy to do it because I care about the team, I care about the players,” she said. “I’ve been here for a year now. It’s a massive club so I’m happy to help.”

18:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Bayern lead

In today’s other game in Group C, Bayern Munich are currently 1-0 up away at Juventus thanks to a goal from Linda Dallmann.

Standard Sport prediction

18:01 , Matt Verri

Arsenal are the clear favourites, but it has been a stumbling start to the season and confidence will be low.

It could prove to be a tight encounter, though the Gunners should have enough to get off the mark in Europe.

Arsenal to win, 2-0.

Arsenal team news

17:48 , Matt Verri

It will be interesting to see how much interim boss Renee Slegers decides to shake things up tonight.

Kyra Cooney-Cross and Frida Maanum are among those who could come into the side if changes are made, while Stina Blackstenius will also be hoping for greatever involvement.

How to watch Arsenal vs Valerenga

17:41 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s match will be shown on TNT Sports .

Live stream: Subscribers to TNT Sports will be able to watch via the Discovery+ app, while it will also be broadcast on DAZN.

Live blog: You can follow all the action right here with us!

Good evening!

17:32 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs Valerenga!

The Gunners are back in action in the Women’s Champions League, having been beaten 5-2 by Bayern Munich last week.

Big response needed and it comes after a disrupted build-up, following the resignation of manager Jonas Eidevall.

We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm BST from the Emirates Stadium.