Erin Cuthbert expects an ‘even match-up’ when Chelsea take on Arsenal in the first leg of our Women’s Champions League quarter-final tie at the Emirates tonight, with several key factors likely to impact the result.
Cuthbert has been an integral figure in our rise to the top of the European game since joining the club in 2017. She has featured in the Champions League semi-finals on several occasions and came off the bench in the 2021 showpiece when we were beaten by Barcelona. She knows exactly what to expect.
Arsenal, meanwhile, got the better of Barca in Lisbon last May to lift the trophy for a second time. Cuthbert says the Gunners will bring serious European pedigree to this all-English tie, but she holds confidence the Blues can inflict some damage on our London rivals ahead of the return fixture at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.
‘We have to respect that they're the current holders of the competition,’ said Cuthbert.
‘They'll want to keep their trophy. I have a lot of respect for what they've done over the years. They've maybe not performed at their absolute best and they've just found a way to win. And I think last year epitomised that.
‘They've got some top players in their squad and quality that they've added - but as do we. We can hurt them if we turn up with the right attitude, the right mentality and the right belief, because playing at the Emirates can be quite daunting for a player. The fans are a factor so you need to block out that noise and play the game, not the occasion.’
Cuthbert does not believe the tie will be won or lost tonight but it is imperative the Blues ‘turn up from the first minute’ to counter the in-form Gunners. They beat us 2-0 at the Bridge in January after a tight 1-1 draw in north London late last year.
‘Over the course of the two games that we've already played, we've seen both teams have hurt each other on transition,’ noted Cuthbert.
‘I feel like that's going to be a big part. Both teams have really good transitional players, although I don't include myself when I say that! But seriously, it's a lot of talent on display and it really is a case of who turns up on the night and who gets things right. We’ve got to step up and be counted.
‘Of course, we know what's at stake and that will naturally be the case at the end of the game when all's been said and done, but in the game, it's about concentrating, sticking to the game plan, preparing as best as we can, recovering as best as we can, and making sure we put our best foot forward.’