Post-Match Report

Ladies: Sunderland 2-1 Arsenal - Match report

Sunderland -

Hetton Centre
Women's Premier League
Women's Premier League
  Sunderland
   crest
Sunderland
2 - 1
  Arsenal Women
   crest
Arsenal Women

Arsenal Ladies lost their first League game since March as Sunderland emulated their men's team with a shock victory on Wearside.

While Darren Bent's goal did for Arsene Wenger's team on Saturday, Jordan Nobbs and Kelly McDougall were on target for Sunderland's women on Sunday. Kim Little continued her prolific run for Arsenal but it wasn't enough to stave off a rare defeat - only their second in 120 League games.

The champions beat Sunderland 5-1 just seven days prior to this meeting but were much-improved at the Hetton Centre. However Arsenal seemed to have the measure of their opponents and took the lead in the 55th minute when Little collected Julie Fleeting's through-ball and rounded the keeper before scoring.

That was Little's 23rd goal of the season but Sunderland hit back within four minutes when Sophie Williams found Nobbs and she beat Emma Byrne in the Arsenal goal.

Both teams pressed for a winner and, for once, Arsenal were on the receiving end. Four minutes from time Nobbs turned provider, crossing for McDougall to crash a spectacular overhead kick into the roof of the net.