Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 to move into the WSL’s top three as Jonas Eidevall’s side were made to pay for a woeful first half.
City took advantage of Arsenal’s poor defending to go in 2-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly, but should have been out of sight by half-time as the Gunners struggled in a back three.
Man City’s Lauren Hemp celebrates her early goal
Arsenal reverted to a back four in the second half after making a double change at the break and grew into the game as centre-back Rafaelle pulled a goal back for the visitors with a guided header from a set-piece.
But City held on for the victory to move to within two points of league leaders Chelsea while Arsenal stay five points off the pace, having failed to win their last three WSL matches.
Rafaelle Souza celebrates with Kim Little after pulling a goal back for Arsenal
How City overcame Arsenal
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Lauren Hemp capitalises on Arsenal’s poor defending to put Manchester City ahead.
It took until extra-time on Wednesday night in the League Cup for Arsenal and Man City to break the deadlock, but the hosts took the lead with their first attack on Saturday lunchtime. Hemp just had to tap in at the back post after losing Noelle Maritz to get on the end of Kelly’s low cross.
Arsenal caused problems for themselves by giving up possession deep in their own half on multiple occasions. Lotte Wubben-Moy lost the ball to Bunny Shaw, allowing her through on goal, but City’s top scorer couldn’t find a way past Zinsberger.
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Arsenal struggle to deal with Manchester City’s press which leads to Chloe Kelly scoring their second of the game
City made their domination pay just before the break, capitalising on another instance of Arsenal being poor in possession, as Shaw won the ball from Wubben-Moy again before setting up Kelly to score from close range.
Eidevall brought on Katie McCabe and Lia Walti for Wubben-Moy and Caitlin Foord at half-time in a change which helped Arsenal find a foothold in the game as they returned to a back four. But Stina Blackstenius couldn’t find the back of the net with their first chance, striking a post when through on goal.
Arsenal eventually found a route back into the game from a lofted ball into the box after the hour which was met by defender Rafaelle, whose guiding header found the bottom corner of the net to give the visitors hope of a comeback.
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Arsenal capitalise from a set-piece with a towering header from Rafaelle to get one back against Manchester City
However, City held on to get their revenge on Arsenal after losing to the Gunners in Wednesday’s FA WSL Cup semi-final 1-0 in extra-time and move above their rivals into the Champions League places.
What’s next?
Manchester City head to Bristol City in the FA Cup on Sunday February 26 at 2pm before returning to WSL action on Sunday March 5 at home to Tottenham. Kick-off is at 2pm.
Arsenal travel to title rivals Chelsea in the FA Cup on Sunday February 26 at 2pm. They then host Liverpool in the WSL on Sunday March 5 at 2pm.
