A frustrating afternoon for Nick Cushing’s side also saw Jill Scott sent off for a headbutt in a feisty encounter which ultimately left the home side ruing a host of missed chances.
The day marked the first ever FA Women’s Super League clash at the Blues’ new home. To mark the occasion, blue and white balloons were released before kick-off - but City knew their visitors would be keen to spoil the party, desperate for some form of revenge.
The two league encounters last season ended in a win apiece, with City triumphing 1-0 at Borehamwood and Arsenal inflicting a thumping defeat at the Manchester Regional Arena.
However, the Blues would have the last laugh of the 2014 campaign, defeating the Gunners in the Continental Cup final through Isobel Christiansen’s 73rd minute header.
Arsenal would want payback.
In a bid to extend his side’s unbeaten run, City boss Cushing opted to make just one change to the team that secured a FA Women’s Cup semi-final spot with a 3-1 win over Birmingham last weekend, as Lucy Bronze came in to replace Chelsea Nightingale for her full debut.
It took just four minutes for City to produce their first real chance, as Scott whipped in a cross to in-form Nikita Parris but the header bounced just wide.
A well-worked free-kick minutes later almost paid dividends as Christiansen – creator of Parris’ strike last weekend – chipped the ball in for Toni Duggan to head goalward, though it lacked the pace to trouble Emma Byrne.
In search of her fifth of the campaign, Parris then unleashed a swerving effort towards goal which Byrne did just enough to deflect wide.
Arsenal’s first chance of the first half arrived just before the half-hour mark as Danielle Carter cut inside before drilling a low shot towards the bottom corner, though it did little to worry Alex Brooks.
At the other end, Abbie McManus then delivered a glorious cross into the box for Duggan but the striker somehow diverted her header wide.
The hosts were made to pay for their wastefulness as Arsenal hit the Blues on the counter attack with only their second opportunity of the game. In what seemed acres of space, Umobago latched onto Victoria Losada’s pass before firing beyond Brooks.
In search of a response, City pressed but struggled to keep their efforts on target. A half-volley from Christiansen flew just wide and proved the last action of the first half, meaning the home side went into the break trailing and in need of some stirring advice from their manager.
Fresh from their second team-talk, the hosts started the second half brightly. A fine piece of individual skill from Duggan allowed Natasha Harding through on goal but the Welsh winger struggled to get the ball from under her feet and the shot curled wide.
Just as the hosts began to build some momentum, their task became all the more difficult when Scott received her marching orders when she clashed with Jade Bailey.
Up until then, the England star had been one of City’s main threats, always looking for the ball and ready to burst forward at every opportunity.
From then on, it was difficult to see a route back into the game for the Blues.
Matters were almost made worse with 20 minutes remaining as Bailey floated the ball to the back post. It sailed over Brooks where substitute Lianne Sanderson attempted to poke the ball in – only to be denied by a goal-line clearance.
The Continental Cup champions did have chances to draw level but again, were found lacking in the final third. Attempts on goal were rushed and wayward, and togethered with Parris’ effort that hit the post late on, rather summed up the home side’s afternoon.
Despite a late rally, the elusive leveller never arrived and through experience and composure in possession, the visitors held on for the win.
Next up for City is a trip to champions Liverpool on Sunday 26 April.
