Stina Blackstenius picked herself up off the Emirates Stadium turf, gave a gentle high five to Arsenal teammate Smilla Holmberg, and allowed a slight smile to cross her lips. It was her second goal in a dominant first-half performance against Leicester City on Wednesday—and she celebrated in typically understated fashion.
That is what the tall Sweden striker does: scores goals and moves on. A vital cog in Renee Slegers' increasingly effective Arsenal machine, Blackstenius does her job without fuss, but usually with maximum impact. As the season enters its decisive phase, this talented yet under-the-radar forward could prove crucial in the Gunners' quest for silverware.
Lyon v Arsenal
Women's Champions League semi-final second leg
Saturday, 2 May, 14:00 BST
Watch on iPlayer | Listen on Sounds
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The Undeniable Impact of Blackstenius in Big Games
Arsenal's pursuit of domestic and European glory is adorned with football royalty—the commanding presence of England captain Leah Williamson at the back, the ball control of Spain's Mariona Caldentey in midfield, the clinical edge of Lionesses striker Alessia Russo—but the real strength lies in squad depth. The resounding win over Leicester was proof. Slegers made five changes from the team that beat Lyon in their Champions League semi-final first leg, and the replacements excelled.
Arsenal led 4-0 at halftime, with Blackstenius then substituted, perhaps with an eye on Saturday's European second leg in France. Being taken off is a different experience for the 30-year-old, who has been involved in more Women's Super League (WSL) goals as a substitute (15 goals, two assists) than any other player since January 2022.
"I just try to see what the game looks like and what I can come on and bring," she said. "I give it my all and I love to score for this club."
Arguably her most telling intervention came almost 12 months ago, when she came on in the Champions League final against Barcelona and scored the 74th-minute winner just seven minutes later with only her third touch. It sparked wild celebrations and viral video clips of Arsenal players singing her name to the tune of Culture Club's 1980s hit 'Karma Chameleon'.
No one should be surprised by her impact. Since her Arsenal debut four years ago, the Swede has consistently delivered when it matters most.