Lianne Sanderson: Arsenal's Champions League Quest, European Glory, and the Growth of Women's Football

11 June 2025

The stage is set for a thrilling UEFA Women's Champions League final, with Arsenal set to face a formidable Barcelona side, who are hunting for their third consecutive European title. This clash, alongside the upcoming Euros in Switzerland, promises a monumental couple of months for women's football in Europe. As an Arsenal alumna who lifted Europe's biggest club trophy in 2007 and was an England runner-up in the 2009 Euros, Lianne Sanderson brings a unique perspective to the unfolding drama.

Arsenal's Resilient Road to the Final: A Story of Character
Arsenal's journey to the Champions League final has been nothing short of extraordinary. They orchestrated a stunning 4-1 comeback in the second leg against eight-time record holders Lyon, winning 5-3 on aggregate after a challenging first leg. Sanderson admits she was "completely blown away," particularly given Lyon's impressive unbeaten streak leading into the semi-final. While acknowledging an element of Lyon "having an off day," she heaps praise on Arsenal's performance, singling out Caitlin Foord, Katie McCabe, and Kim Little for their exceptional play in the second leg.
Sanderson, a staunch advocate for Arsenal, believes the club's success is rooted in its deep-seated unity and historical backing for women's football. She applauds the current generation of players, like Alessia Russo, for respecting the legacy of former teams rather than discrediting past achievements. This season has been defined by a series of comebacks for Arsenal, from their qualifier to all knockout stages, showcasing a character that Sanderson believes "could take them all the way." As she recalls, her 2007 winning side were also "underdogs" against Umea, a position that often shifts the pressure onto the opposition.

The René Slegers Effect: A Manager's Instant Impact
A significant factor in Arsenal's dramatic turnaround is interim-turned-permanent manager René Slegers. Taking over in October and appointed permanently in January, Slegers has had an undeniable impact. Sanderson highlights Slegers' "composure" and "calmness" as qualities that have permeated throughout the squad. She contrasts this with former manager Jonas Eidevall's frequent tinkering and misjudgement of player roles, notably with Alessia Russo.
The transformation of Alessia Russo is a prime example of Slegers' influence. After a slow start to the season, Russo has blossomed into Arsenal's top scorer with 20 goals across all competitions. This remarkable resurgence, along with the team's ascent from sixth in the WSL to second and now a European final, leads Sanderson to declare, "I don't think I have ever seen a manager make such an impact in such a short space of time."

Barcelona's Dominance: A Class Apart
Arsenal's ultimate challenge comes in the form of Barcelona, a side Sanderson unequivocally labels as "the best side in Europe right now." Barcelona's emphatic 8-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the semi-final cemented their status. Sanderson urges pundits and fans to truly appreciate Barcelona's calibre, listing their array of world-class talents like Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Salma Paralluelo.
For Sanderson, watching Barcelona live offers a deeper understanding of their technical brilliance. Their comfort on the ball, intricate triangular play, and unwavering composure under pressure set them apart. She highlights the unique tactical choice of their centre-back, Mapi León, taking corners due to her technical prowess, a testament to their philosophy. While acknowledging the difficulty, Sanderson suggests Arsenal must "not give them too much respect," get "in their faces," and "dictate the tempo." She also intriguingly points out that Barcelona might have preferred to face Chelsea again due to their established dominance, making Arsenal an "unknown beast."

Global Game: Growth, Challenges, and Trailblazing
Beyond the Champions League, Sanderson discusses the broader state of women's football. While acknowledging its growth, she challenges the cliché, asking: "at what point do we say we've actually made it and can celebrate?" She measures success by the increasing number of young girls playing and the sight of boys wearing women's player shirts – a stark contrast to her own upbringing as the "only girl playing in an all boys team."
However, she candidly highlights persistent challenges, particularly concerning attendance figures in the WSL (outside of Arsenal's Emirates games) and the disconnect between players and fans. Sanderson feels the game's rapid acceleration has sometimes overlooked the importance of fan interaction, a cornerstone of women's football's historical growth. She advocates for a balance where players can engage with fans without being overwhelmed, fostering the connection that draws supporters back.
Sanderson reflects on her own journey, having played in various leagues across the world, including the US, Spain, Cyprus, and Italy. While not explicitly labelling herself a "trailblazer," she recognises her platform and impact, especially as one of the first openly gay players. Her visibility, coupled with her commitment to excellence on the pitch, has "allowed other people to kind of be accepted," contributing to a shift where sexuality in football is "not that big of a deal, as it shouldn't be."

For Lianne Sanderson's full, passionate insights on Arsenal's final, the dynamics of women's football, and her remarkable career, make sure to listen to This Sporting Planet's podcast and watch the full interview on our YouTube channel.