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Arsenal hit the woodwork on three occasions against Rosenborg

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport senior women's football reporter at Meadow Park

Arsenal cruised into the second round of Women's Champions League qualifying with a dominant victory over Rosenborg.

Despite the modest scoreline, Arsenal controlled possession in London after taking an early lead through Frida Maanum.

An error by visiting goalkeeper Rugile Rulyte, who fumbled a cross into the path of Maanum, opened the door for Arsenal - and they raced through it.

England striker Alessia Russo's header bounced off the crossbar shortly afterwards, while Maanum, Mariona Caldentey and Caitlin Foord all went close in the first half.

Arsenal's wealth of chances continued after the break and they were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty when Leah Williamson appeared to be pushed by Selma Magnusdottir as she tried to connect with a corner.

Russo hit the crossbar again with a strike from distance, and seconds later midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross followed suit.

In the end Arsenal were unable to add to their tally against the Norwegian side, days after thrashing Rangers 6-0, but progressed with ease and now wait to find out their next opponents.

The draw for the second round of qualifying - when Manchester City enter the competition - is on Monday, 9 September at 12:00 BST.

Arsenal limit damage as they continue to build

Rosenborg, managed by Englishman Robin Shroot, upset the odds on Wednesday when they knocked out Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout.

They showed they could cause problems and Arsenal vowed not to be complacent as a result, despite going into their second match of the week heavy favourites.

Shroot was keen for his side to express themselves with attacking football, but also make it hard work for Arsenal to break them down.

But the Gunners quickly imposed their authority and Rosenborg were not allowed to settle, rarely getting out of their own half until after the break when they found space.

Summer signing Caldentey was once again busy and entertaining, Maanum a threat and Cooney-Cross dominated the midfield.

It was still at the back of everyone’s minds though, that Arsenal were knocked out at this stage last season by Paris FC, and there were nervy moments late on as Rosenborg threw players forward, desperately trying to create an opening on the break.

But Arsenal looked more composed and sharp this time, albeit against weaker opposition.

Jonas Eidevall’s side know they need to step up another level this season to compete with Women’s Super League (WSL) title rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, and are building promising foundations.

The Gunners will avoid the seeded clubs in Monday's second-round qualifying draw, and have shown plenty to suggest they can cope with their next opponent in a tie over two legs.

Player of the match

Mariona Caldentey
8.29
8 Mariona Caldentey
8.29
12 F. Maanum
8.07
10 K. Little
7.75
5 Laia Codina
7.72
32 K. Cooney-Cross
7.69
2 E. Fox
7.68
11 K. McCabe
7.61
6 L. Williamson
7.61
23 A. Russo
7.58
19 C. Foord
7.39
1 M. Zinsberger
7.31
9 B. Mead
6.90
13 L. Wälti
6.80
25 S. Blackstenius
6.65
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