Arsenal defender ‘made for this’ ahead of Chelsea Champions League clash

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Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy insists the Gunners’ commanding 3-1 first leg advantage will not influence their approach for Wednesday night’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The defending champions took control of the tie with a comprehensive victory at home last week, but Wubben-Moy believes the London Derby atmosphere will remain as intense as ever regardless of the scoreline.

“I think when you play for Arsenal Football Club, there’s always an expectation to represent a badge, but I think more so to represent when you’re playing a North London derby like we did on the weekend. But in this case, this London Derby, there’s a pride with that. And regardless of what the score was in the first game, we look at this as yet another London Derby.”

The centre-back has been in exceptional form recently, benefiting from an extended run in the team due to Leah Williamson’s injury absence. Wubben-Moy credits consistent game time as the foundation of her strong performances.

“I’m made for this, when it gets into flow rhythm and game upon game, I live my life pretty meticulously. I think when I look at the trajectory of my career, it’s been in moments when I have rhythm and when I have confidence,”

she explained.

“You mentioned that I’m in a good place, I am playing football with a smile on my face and I feel strong and confident and that’s always top of my list of what I want to do.”

Leadership role

The defender has also embraced increased responsibility in Renee Slegers’ system, particularly in possession-based phases of play. Wubben-Moy revealed she had previously discussed with the manager her preference for taking on greater accountability.

“I actually had a conversation with Renee a few months ago and I said I think I play best when I have responsibility, when I have a task, when I have a requirement to give more than just for myself,”

she said.

“The way I see my role in this team is I think to lead, lead in actions, lead in conversation, lead in collaboration.”

Wubben-Moy described herself as a “puzzle piece” within Arsenal’s system, working alongside fellow leaders Kim Little, Williamson, Steph Catley and Alessia Russo. She emphasised how the collective support structure allows her to flourish in her ball-playing role.

Arsenal way

Looking ahead to the second leg, Wubben-Moy referenced Arsenal’s previous experiences at Stamford Bridge, including their victory there in January. However, she drew more motivation from past disappointments in similar high-pressure situations.

“If you look further back in the history, there are many examples of where we have been on the opposite end of a game like that, in a sense, I think they’re the games that fuel me most,”

she reflected.

The defender also highlighted discussions about Arsenal’s tactical flexibility, noting how Slegers had spoken about the “Arsenal ways” – plural rather than singular – suggesting multiple approaches could be deployed against Chelsea.

Arsenal will look to secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening, with Wubben-Moy central to their defensive structure as they aim to protect their substantial first-leg advantage.