The Gunners, who sit at the summit of the table on 27 points, arrived at the Academy Stadium yet to drop any points this season, but a dominant display from the Blues ensured Nick Cushing’s side narrowed the gap in the FA Women’s Super League title race.
What happened
City started brightly, with Stanway going close in quick succession.
After just a few minutes of play, Stanway sprinted all the way before the pressure from Leah Williamson forced our striker to chip the ball towards Pauline Peyraud-Magnin’s waiting hands. Then, just minutes later, after a tussle at the mouth of goal, it was Georgia, once again, who tried her luck only to see her shot drift wide of the post.
Stanway was finally rewarded for her continuous attempts in the 18th minute, as she made no mistake in collecting Demi Stokes’ superb cross and drilled at the Arsenal ‘keeper to write her name on the scoresheet for the eighth time this season.
The Blues continued to dominate, but the Gunners made it difficult for us – punishing us for the slightest error.
As the second half drew to a close, Arsenal notched up a gear and Ellie Roebuck was soon called upon.
The Reds’ Katie McCabe was up first, as she sent a curling shot towards the top corner to prompt Ellie to launch, outstretched, but luckily for Ellie the post did all the work to see the effort cannon off the woodwork.
Next, Beth Mead tested our young stopper with a long-range attempt. Roebuck was alert and ready for the shot which saw her tip the strike well over the crossbar.
As the top two returned from the break, the pressure from the Gunners mounted and City struggled to display any attacking force.
Then, out of nowhere, a superb through ball from City centurion, Keira Walsh, landed at the feet of Stanway. Once again, the young Lioness slalomed around the Gunners’ defence and despite the option to offload to Nikita Parris, Stanway continued before unleashing a thunderous strike into the bottom corner to double her goal tally and City’s lead.
How we lined up
Roebuck took her place in goal, shielded by a back four of Gemma Bonner, skipper Steph Houghton, Jen Beattie and Stokes. Walsh and Jill Scott slotted in front of the defence alongside Tessa Wullaert and Caroline Weir in midfield.
Parris and Stanway led the line up front.
Up next
Next, Cushing’s side face Sheffield United here at the Academy Stadium in the Continental Cup. The game takes place on Wednesday 5 December, kick-off at 7pm GMT.
