Ladies: Arsenal 2-3 Man City - Report

By Lloyd Webb at Meadow Park

Summary

Arsenal Ladies were denied the opportunity to go back to the top of the Women's Super League after being beaten 3-2 by Manchester City on Sunday.

The visitors went in ahead at the break thanks to Lucy Bronze’s header, though Arsenal drew level a minute into the second half through Alex Scott’s lob.

Isobel Christiansen and Toni Duggan scored in the space of eight second-half minutes to put Nick Cushing's side in control and, though Natalia Pablos Sanchon ensured a tense finale with a late header, Arsenal could not find an equaliser.

setting the scene  

The Gunners came into this game knowing a victory would lift them to the top of the WSL, and Pedro Martinez Losa named an experienced side.

Chioma Ubogagu, Scott and Natalia all started while Emma Bryne replaced Sari van Veenendaal in goal.

First Half  

The visitors took the lead in the 23rd minute as Bronze’s close-range header was ruled to have gone in, despite it appearing as if Scott had made a goal-line clearance. 

Arsenal did not create many chances to draw level before the break, with Ubogagu wriggling past her marker but shooting wide just after the half-hour mark the closest they came.

Second Half

Just a minute into the second half Scott pulled Arsenal level with a chipped attempt that flew over Karen Bardsley’s head and into the net.

Christiansen restored Manchester City’s lead on the hour, when she applied the finishing touch to a dangerous low cross from Bronze.  

Duggan extended the advantage in the 68th minute when she cut in and curled the ball into the top corner from 20 yards out.

Natalia managed to head the ball in at the near post late on to set up a tense finish but the Gunners were unable to grab a point.