Jane Ross’ first goal for the Club and a Toni Duggan penalty handed the Blues their sixth consecutive triumph and lifted them top of the Super League table.
In another action-packed clash at the Academy Stadium, Jemma Rose was sent off for the visitors as City dominated possession and caused problems with every venture into the opposition half.
The hosts had to wait until midway through the second period to take the lead but rarely looked like relinquishing it once it had been obtained.
With his side full of confidence following their impressive winning streak, manager Nick Cushing opted to field the same starting XI which snatched a last-gasp win over Notts County in last week’s league opener.
In the absence of the injured quartet of Izzy Christiansen, Jennifer Beattie, Megan Campbell and Keira Walsh, he named youngsters Zoe Tynan, Alethea Paul, Ceri Holland and Amelia Kemp on the bench.
Previewing the clash, the Blues boss stated he felt the team with the most possession would clinch all three points. In that knowledge, the home side sought to gain an early foothold and controlled play without creating any clear-cut chances.
It would be Arsenal who produced the game’s first real effort though, as Fara Williams struck the bar with a free-kick.
Further drama would follow moments later as Ross muscled her way past Rose on route to goal, only to be upended by the Gunners defender. Without hesitation, referee Michael Salisbury produced a red card to send the visitors down to ten.
With momentum behind them and a player advantage, City pressed to break the deadlock.
Demi Stokes hit the Blues’ first shot on target, forcing Sari Van Veenendaal into an awkward stop, before Lucy Bronze and Jill Scott also tested the shot-stopper.
At the other end, Asisat Oshoala proved Arsenal’s main threat and was denied a clear shot on goal by an excellent last-ditch tackle by Abbie McManus.
Ross then headed wide and Duggan struck the post in the last action of the half, as City headed into the break goalless but well on top.
The hosts continued where they left off after the restart. Nikita Parris fired straight at Van Veenendaal from close range and Duggan drilled wide before the deadlock was finally broken on 65 minutes.
Duggan was instrumental. The striker did well to rob substitute Leah Williamson of possession before delivering the perfect cross for Ross to head home.
The victory was sealed with 12 minutes of normal time remaining when Dominique Janssen upended Parris, allowing Duggan the chance to double the lead from 12 yards – and she did, smashing in off the post.
With a comfortable lead, the Blues cruised to the three points, delivering a real statement of intent to the rest of the league in the process and once again, confirming their title ambitions.
Next up, it’s a return to FA Cup action with the visit of Sporting Albion on Sunday 3 April…
