By Lloyd Webb
Summary
Arsenal Ladies beat Birmingham City 1-0 in their final Women’s Super League game of the campaign to secure third position in the league.
The two teams will meet again in the Continental Cup semi-final next week but Natalia’s second-half strike was the only goal of this game.
There were plenty of chances for both sides throughout the match but despite the win, Arsenal will miss out on Champions League football next year as a result of Manchester City’s victory over Notts County.
Setting the Scene
Pedro Martinez Losa made one change to the side that beat Manchester City Ladies 1-0 in the Continental Cup quarter-final on Thursday.
Dominique Janssen replaced Jade Bailey while Natalia, Dan Carter and Marta Corredera retained their place to form a strong attack.
First half
Arsenal started brightly and almost opened the scoring after 11 minutes when Corredera’s cross went inches wide.
Karen Carney forced Sari van Veenendaal into a fantastic save seven minutes later at her near post.
Corredera came close again in the 25th minute when she hit the side-netting as both sides continued to create chances in an entertaining but goalless first half.
Second half
The hosts began the second half well and scored the only goal of the game in the 48th minute when Natalia looped her header over Sophie Baggaley after Carter had beat her marker and delivered a cross.
Jordan Nobbs almost doubled the Gunners’ advantage when she hit the crossbar from 35 yards out in the 55th minute.
Kirsty Linnett gave Losa’s side a late scare when she hit the side-netting moments before the final whistle but Arsenal held on to round off their Women’s Super League campaign with three points.
Referee:
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