It unfortunately ended in defeat on the final game of the season for the Gunners but we clinched Champions League football for another year.
Aston Villa hit two past us at Meadow Park through Rachel Daly and Alisha Lehmann but our superior goal difference over Manchester City meant that third place was secure.
What happened
With our sights set on securing Champions League football next season, our Gunners squared up to Carla Ward’s Villa side in our brand-new home kit at Meadow Park.
We came exceptionally close in the 8th minute as Jodie Taylor’s byline cross found Stina Blackstenius in the six-yard box. Under pressure, Blackstenius beat Hannah Hampton in the Villa goal but didn’t get quite enough on the finish to cross the line.
Neither side managed a significant shot on goal until deep into the first half when Frida Maanum had our first out-and-out chance near the break. However, Hampton punched her powerful shot away for a corner.
But it was the visitors who broke the deadlock just before half-time. The inevitable Rachel Daly managed to hit one past Sabrina D'Angelo in a goalmouth scramble, meaning that Daly equalled Vivianne Miedema's goal record for a single season with 22.
It was a nightmare start to the second 45 minutes as Alisha Lehmann doubled Villa's advantage with a close-range finish.
We found a much-needed injection of intensity around the hour mark, but were unable to find our rhythm up front to truly test the Villa backline.
When the full time whistle blew, it was a frustrating end to a tumultuous season but with all-important Champions League qualification set, it’s now time to rest and reset over summer.
What it means
Despite the loss and Manchester City’s 3-2 win over Everton, we clinch third place in the league.
Our Gunners will be playing Champions League football next season.
Team news
Arsenal Starting XI: D'Angelo (GK), Maritz, Wubben-Moy, Beattie, Rafaelle, Catley, Pelova, Maanum, McCabe (C), Taylor (Gio, 82), Blackstenius (Kuhl, 46)
Subs not used: Zinsberger (GK), Marckese (GK), Goldie, Godfrey, Doe, Reid, Agyemang
Aston Villa Starting XI: Hampton (GK), Mayling, Allen (C) (Boye-Hlorkah, 90), Corsie, Staniforth (Magill, 68) Turner, Lehmann, Blindkilde, Hanson, Pacheco, Daly
Subs not used: Leat (GK)
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