The league leaders clinched a crucial three points in the FA Women’s Super League title race, edging out the reigning Champions thanks to goals from Pauline Bremer and Lauren Hemp.
READ: City down Gunners to send Cushing off on a high
WATCH: #ThankYouNick | Cushing’s final CityTV interview
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A thrilling encounter, the clash marked Nick Cushing’s final game in charge before he departs for a new challenge as Assistant Manager of New York City FC.
Stanway was delighted to send the 35-year-old off on his new adventure on a high, and hopes his efforts will be rewarded at the end of the season with more silverware.
“I don’t think we could have given him a better send-off,” she reflected.
“We made sure we came out and turned it around. It’s not a bad way to end the six years he’s been at the Club! It was an unbelievable way to end.
“We’ve enjoyed the time we’ve had with him and won many trophies.
“Now it’s time for us to focus on what’s next. We just have to switch our mindset and make sure the results live up to us performing like that for the rest of the season.”
Employed at right-back, deputising for the injured Aoife Mannion and unavailable Janine Beckie (currently on international duty with Canada), Stanway herself produced a fine display in the unfamiliar position.
As Arsenal pressed for a late leveller, the 21-year-old showcased her defensive capabilities, putting her body on the line for the cause, and was pleased to play her part in a solid collective performance.
“I’m quite enjoying playing at right-back!” she added. “I’m just doing a job for the team.
“I’m filling in but if the worst comes to the worst, I’ll play there again. It’s obviously a very different position to what I’m used to, being a centre-forward who likes to score goals.
“I’m very aggressive in how I play – that’s my game – but it’s knowing when and where to do it.
“I think on a personal level, I haven’t done a bad job. The girls are happy with how I played.
“I got a good opportunity to play against Arsenal on Wednesday (in the Continental Cup) and I knew what Beth Mead is all about – she likes to get the ball in the box but she’s also right-footed and likes to come inside.
“It was my job to stop her coming inside and beat her one-v-one.
“We didn’t have much time to practice it but I think it worked out.”
