By Connor Armstrong
SUMMARY
Arsenal Ladies began pre-season with a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich, the reigning Bundesliga champions.
Heather O’Reilly and Kim Little both made their first appearances in a hotly-contested affair in Andalusia.
Vivianne Miedema opened the scoring after 18 minutes, with Danielle Carter levelling just after the hour mark.
The game looked set to end all-square until Vanessa Burki’s late double sealed the win for the German side.
SETTING THE SCENE
Pedro Martinez Losa was able to call upon O’Reilly and Little for the first time, opting to start the two new signings.
Fellow newcomer Beth Mead was among the travelling party.
Sari van Veenendal started in goal with Jemma Rose - making her first appearance after six months out through injury - and Leah Williamson lining up in the centre of defence. Alex Scott and Emma Mitchell started in the two full-back positions.
O’Reilly and Little were joined in midfield by Jordan Nobbs, Fara Williams and Danielle van de Donk, with Jodie Taylor spearheading the attack.
FIRST HALF
Bayern took the lead after just 18 minutes, springing a quick counter-attack after Taylor saw her shot saved by Manuela Zinsberger.
Melanie Behringer travelled upfield with the ball before setting up Miedema to break the deadlock.
A few minutes before half-time there was concern when Van de Donk was required to leave the pitch for treatment, before being substituted at the interval.
SECOND HALF
Chloe Kelly and Carter came on for the second period, with Van de Donk and Taylor making way.
It was substitute Carter who pulled us level, sending a low left-footed shot into the left corner of goal with 63 minutes on the clock.
Kelly had a chance to fire the Gunners in front not long after, but Zinsberger punched the ball to safety before Burki’s two late strikes sealed the win for the Bundesliga outfit.
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