Four things we learnt as Arsenal thrashed BK Hacken in the Champions League
Lia Walti opened the scoring with a fine long-range strike. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Arsenal will be facing off against Europe's elite yet again.

Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall fielded an attacking line-up at Meadow Park, hoping to overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their crucial Champions League tie against BK Hacken.

That decision proved to be entirely right as Lia Walti's excellent strike from distance put Arsenal well on their way to turning the tie around.

Mariona Caldentey enhanced her ever-growing popularity amongst the Gunners fans, as her deflected finish beat goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, to give the English side the advantage going into half time.

Beth Mead added a brilliant third with a fine volley, before substitute Frida Maanum rounded off the comprehensive win late-on. 

Here are four things we learnt as Arsenal cruised into the next round with a 4-1 aggregate win.

  • Walti return pays dividends

With the tie firmly in the balance after the first leg, Arsenal needed to get off to a fast start at Meadow Park and they did just that through one of their most reliable performers.

Walti, who returned to the starting line-up for the crucial fixture, opened the scoring with a stunning strike from distance and the Gunners never looked back from that moment.

The Swiss international controlled much of the game alongside  captain Kim Little, which enabled Arsenal's attacking talent to flourish in front of them.

Gunners boss Eidevall has plenty of options in the middle of the pitch, but expect Walti to play a key role throughout the season.

  • Eidevall gets it right

Following the first-leg defeat eight days ago, pressure had already started to mount on Eidevall.

A Champions league exit before the group stage was unthinkable for Arsenal after last season's devastating loss to Paris FC.

The Swedish manager was brave with his team selection. Alessio Russo, Stina Blackstenius, Mead, and Caldentey were all included from the start and they fully repaid his faith.

All four attackers played their part in the thumping victory, and on another day, they could have all found themselves on the scoresheet. Added to that quartet are the likes of Caitlin Foord and Rosa Kafaji, who both came on in the second half.

Those forward options surely make Arsenal a threat to anyone.

  • Mead continues fine form

It has been a brilliant start to the campaign for Mead.

She struck a decisive equaliser during Sunday's pulsating Women's Super League opener against Manchester City, before bringing that form into Thursday's encounter.

Mead impressed during the first half with her wonderful movement causing all kinds of problems for the Hacken defence.

The 29-year-old then produced the goal of the night, which effectively sealed the tie in the Gunners favour.

After getting on the end of Katie McCabe's header, Mead flicked the ball over a Hacken defender and then thumped a stunning volley beyond the goalkeeper.

It was trademark Mead and in this kind of form, WSL and Champions League defences better beware.

  • Group stage return

In May 2023, the Gunners were on the brink of a European final. They were ultimately beaten during a thrilling extra-time in their Champions League semi-final against German giants Wolfsburg.

Only four months later, Arsenal were dumped out in the early stages of last season's competition by Paris FC. The North London club will be playing European football beyond September this time around though.

The draw for the next stage is on Friday, with 16 teams being split into four groups of four.

Chelsea and Manchester City will also be involved, as will the reigning back-to-back Champions League winners Barcelona, who are aiming to make it a three-peat.

Arsenal are in pot two, while Chelsea are in pot one - which means Barcelona, Lyon, or Bayern Munich, lie in wait for Eidevall's side, as they cannot draw another English team at this stage.