Gritty Arsenal show different side in Barcelona draw

It is no mean feat for any team to come away from Camp Nou with a result against Barcelona in the Women's Champions League, let alone a side struggling for form. With that context in mind, Arsenal's draw on Thursday night was a significant achievement and increases their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition. Sitting sixth in the Women's Super League table, their title hopes in tatters, Renee Slegers' side are putting all their eggs in one basket and hoping for success in Europe. They have a promising seven points from their opening four matches and while giants Lyon await in London next week, their draw with Barca could provide a welcome boost. Arsenal secure gutsy Champions League draw at Barcelona 'Very different to how we usually play' Arsenal defender Steph Catley made five interceptions and nine clearances at Camp Nou to deny Barcelona [Getty Images] It was not a scintillating display from Arsenal, nor a tactical masterclass, but it was a gritty showing that we have not seen enough of this season. With manager Slegers under scrutiny and the players under pressure to perform, the last thing they needed was to face the full-throttle Barcelona attack. Caroline Graham Hansen's cleverness, Sydney Schertenleib's constant threat and the aura of top scorer Ewa Pajor is enough to strike fear into any team in Europe. Even with three-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati on the bench, Barcelona were able to impose their superiority against a wounded Arsenal – but the Gunners stood firm. Frida Maanum opened the scoring against the run of play for Arsenal in the first half and they somehow made it to half-time with their lead intact despite 18 shots from their dominant hosts. Barcelona did continue as expected after the break, equalising through Graham Hansen, but failed to kick on, with Arsenal's experience and maturity showing to see out a draw that ended the Catalan giants' 100% record in this season's Champions League. "I'm very pleased in general with the players and how they have gone about it, their preparation, ownership and engagement. You know in these games it's about the margins," said Slegers. "The execution was so good. It is always going to be difficult against Barcelona because they are so good on the ball. It's hard to defend against but we did well. "We knew there would be opportunities. I'm really pleased with the way we played as it's very different to how we usually play. That we can do it this way [is] a big boost for us as a team. "We will take that going forward because the next games are coming quickly. It is really difficult to go to Camp Nou. The one point is okay for us, though obviously we went for three." Will this draw kickstart Arsenal's season? [BBC] Criticism of Arsenal this season has centred around their lack of ruthlessness and an inability to turn dominance into winning results. The tables turned on Thursday as it was Barcelona who were wasteful and frustrating, while Arsenal rode their luck and capitalised where they could. Defending champions Barcelona had almost 70% possession, 24 shots, 51 touches inside the opposition half and 11 corners but only managed the solitary goal. Slegers admitted on Tuesday "too many draws" had impacted their start to the season – but was this particular draw proof that the real Arsenal is still hidden among the low confidence and poor form? "This is a very different game to play but there are of course elements in the performance that we want - and need - to take forward," added Slegers. "It's there in the team and we need to show that in every single game. If you ask me what words I would use to describe the performance, I would say grit, resilience, clarity, discipline, communication, leadership and bravery as well. "That is a lot of words but there were a lot of really good things in this performance that we definitely want to build on." It is a decisive few days for Arsenal with high-flying London City Lionesses up next on Sunday for a game that could impact their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League in the battle for a top three spot in the WSL. Then, they host French giants Lyon in Europe next Thursday before ending the league phase at Inter Milan in December. Find interviews and extra content on the BBC Women's Football Weekly feed