Katie McCabe’s impact vs Chelsea goes way beyond the assist

Arsenal dominated Chelsea in the first leg of their Women's Champions League quarter-final tie. They head into the second leg with a two-goal advantage, and one of those goals was courtesy of Katie McCabe. Her assist was not the most impressive part of her performance, though. Instead, it was her ability to play in two different positions, not compromising anything in the switch.

McCabe was absolutely sensational. There's a wide catalogue to choose from, being Arsenal's best left-back of all-time, but last night was up there with one of her best performances in an Arsenal shirt.

Her main takeaway from the night was recorded on paper: Her assist for Stina Blackstenius. She whipped in a free kick for Blackstenius to nod home, and that opened the floodgates for Arsenal.

Oh, it's worth mentioning she also played a stellar part in Alessia Russo's goal. She won't be credited for the assist, but she started the breakaway with an unorthodox, improvised overhead kick. Can you even call it that when she was on the floor already? We'll call it that.

Katie McCabe didn't just play two positions; she dominated both

Katie McCabe was, yet again, an example to the younger players around her. The Ireland international was asked to slot in at centre back, after starting at left-back, to facilitate the introduction of Taylor Hinds.

McCabe is no stranger to stepping up and doing what's necessary for the team. However, the desire to stay on the pitch and adapt her game plan in a game as big as this one is certainly worthy of applaud.

McCabe was just as good in the second half as she was in the first. Her energy levels didn't deplete at all, and she gave her all, no matter which position she was asked to play.

Arsenal look like champions... because they kinda are

Arsenal looked shaky at the start of the match. That is bound to happen when, within the opening ten minutes, Alyssa Thompson and Lauren James hit the same post. However, that confidence knock remained just that: a knock. The Gunners soon came back, and they came back with force.

Arsenal have something that Chelsea don't, that being a Women's Champions League title. They are the current champions, and last night, they played like they aren't about to surrender it anytime soon.

In the second leg, there is still a lot to play for. Chelsea showed they can match Arsenal's hunger, but Arsenal certainly have the edge heading into the second leg.

You can be pretty confident that Katie McCabe will continue to play a pivotal role in the Women's Champions League run-in. If she's bidding farewell at the end of the season, she'll want to be remembered for what she already is: a champion of Europe.