Arsenal Ladies came from behind to beat Gothenburg 3-1 at Boreham Wood's Meadow Park ground and take control of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

The Gunners started brightly but fell behind in the tenth minute. Ciara Grant conceded a free-kick just outside the box and Lisa Ek’s quick effort caught Emma Byrne out and went in off the post.

The Swedish champions had the momentum and almost increased their lead as Olivia Schough and Amanda Edgren both had efforts well saved by Byrne.

Arsenal hit back in the 26th minute when Ellen White’s cross was headed down by Jayne Ludlow for Jordan Nobbs to fire home.

The hosts were now in the ascendency and almost went in front a few minutes later when the excellent Steph Houghton’s long-range effort flew just over the bar.

On the stroke of half-time the visitors almost scored when Christen Press worked herself some space, only to be denied a shooting chance by a great tackle from Gilly Flatherty.

Gothenburg started the second half well and were inches away from retaking the lead when a great piece of skill from Press set up Amanda Edgren to crash a shot against the crossbar.

Again Arsenal responded and had the ball in the net in the 62nd minute when White converted Houghton’s cross but the goal was ruled out for offside.

With 15 minutes to go Arsenal brought on Jennifer Beattie for Nobbs and the substitution paid instant dividends as she was fouled in the area by Marlene Sjöberg. The resultant spot-kick was duly dispatched by Kim Little.

Just under ten minutes later Arsenal took command of the tie when Little played in White and the England international calmly slotted past Hammarström to make it 3-1.

There was still time for Arsenal to have another goal disallowed for offside when Beattie headed in but they will be confident of progressing after a hard-fought win.