Caitlin Foord scored four goals as Arsenal progressed from their first tie of Women’s Champions League qualifying with a comfortable victory over Rangers.
Jonas Eidevall’s side were playing their first competitive match of the season at Meadow Park and were rarely challenged by the SWPL leaders.
Having failed to progress from qualifying last season, Arsenal knew there was no room for error and they came out of the blocks quickly.
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Foord opened the scoring, heading in debutant Mariona Caldentey’s deep cross, before adding a second from close range after half-time.
The hosts continued to dominate in a one-sided affair and England striker Alessia Russo quickly made it 3-0, drilling her shot into the far corner, before Foord completed her hat-trick with a sublime volley.
Rubbing salt into Rangers’ wounds, Arsenal captain Kim Little converted from the penalty spot late on and Foord capped off an impressive display with her fourth goal in the final minute.
“When you see us play today, I enjoyed that because you see a connected team that defends together and works really hard,” said Arsenal boss Eidevall.
“It is an enjoyable team to watch, an even more enjoyable team to work with and we started the competitive season in a good way.”
The Gunners must navigate a final match of round one – they face Rosenborg on Saturday (19:30 BST) for a place in the second round of qualifying.
No scares for Arsenal this time around
Arsenal defender Leah Williamson admitted last season’s premature exit following defeat by Paris FC was a “hurtful” moment for the club and they vowed to make sure it didn’t happen again.
They still have two ties to navigate to confirm their place in the group stages but this was a far more convincing opening performance of the season.
Having planned a pre-season tour in the United States to get his players ready for this encounter, manager Eidevall would have been pleased with the ease in which they got the job done.
Rangers, who have scored 43 goals in five league matches this season and not conceded any, were brought back down to earth by Arsenal’s relentless passing game.
New signing Caldentey, who joined from Barcelona and is on the list of nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, was impressive as she linked up with captain Little in midfield and took on a free, roaming role.
Foord stepped up in the absence of injured England winger Beth Mead and Eidevall was able to rotate his starting XI, giving another debut to summer signing Rosa Kafaji.
“I enjoyed it. I had fun. I was extremely excited to get back out there in Arsenal colours,” said Foord.
“Having the type of players we have on the ball to put those crosses in like that, I just knew I had to get on the end of them. I’m happy to see a few go in!”
For Rangers, it was an evening to forget but they will learn plenty from an encounter with one of England’s elite, who have a squad more than capable of challenging for the European trophy.
The SWPL leaders have never reached the group stages of the Women’s Champions League and they were always heavy underdogs in London.
“People will look at the scoreline and think one thing. But if you were here – we were in a game. We just have to learn from moments. It can’t go from two, to three, to four, that quickly,” Rangers assistant coach Jay Bradford told BBC Sport.
“We’ll learn from it. It was a big moment for us – we weren’t in the Champions League last year. It’s been an experience for the players and one they will learn from.”
