Reigning European champions Arsenal began their title defence with defeat to last year’s semi-final opponents Lyonnes in a thrilling encounter in north London.

Renée Slegers’ team had taken the lead in style through Alessia Russo early on against the tournament’s most decorated team, but two goals in seven minutes from Melchie Dumornay, courtesy of some questionable defending, gave the visiting side all three points.

A fourth game without a win is a blow for the Gunners, with draws against Manchester United and Aston Villa followed by defeat to Manchester City in the league prior to this meeting, but this was not a performance to be ashamed of, far from it, and they can draw on their campaign of comebacks all the way to their second European title last term moving forward.

The grim reality is that Meadow Park is no longer fit to host Arsenal matches. Despite investment to have it meet Uefa’s minimum standards, the facilities are nowhere near good enough for Champions League football. That does not stop it being a powerful cauldron, though, the Gunners’ hardcore fans rocking the North Bank and leading the thunder of noise...