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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ian Wright calls for Arsenal trophy parade as Women's Champions League win 'saves club from embarrassment'

Ian Wright says Arsenal’s victory in the Women’s Champions League final has “saved the club”.

The Gunners were crowned champions of Europe for the first time since 2007, beating Barcelona 1-0 in Lisbon thanks to a second half goal from substitute Stina Blackstenius.

It means Renee Slegers’ side have done what Mikel Arteta’s team couldn’t do this season; win a major trophy.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the final, Wright highlighted the importance of Arsenal’s win over Barcelona and reflected on the growth of the women’s game with the final being held at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

He said: “Saved the club from the embarrassment of getting nothing this season when we played so well in the season with the men.

“The ladies have saved the club, we have got something to celebrate.

“Of course they need a parade, they have beaten Barcelona in the Champions League [final], no one gave them a chance.

“Even I was saying it was going to be tough because they average four goals a game!

“So we needed to score goals to make sure that we beat them, in the end it was only one but everybody wrote them off.

“They deserve everything they are getting, all the accolades because this is a magnificent achievement.

“Look how far it’s come, I remember the Champions League being at Boreham Wood, look where we are and Arsenal winning it, it’s amazing!”

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