Vivianne Miedema’s first-half strike separated the sides at Adams Park, Wycombe, as the Gunners exacted revenge for the 2014 encounter, against the reigning champions.
Despite a spirited second half rally, City could not find a way past Sari van Veenendall on a frustrating evening, at a venue which had heralded so much comeback joy for Nick Cushing’s side in the past.
What happened…
With all Blues bar those injured out on international duty last week, named the FA WSL’s Player of the Month for February earlier in the week – had warned the Gunners may hold an advantage in terms of squad fitness.
The opening 45 minutes produced evidence to prove her theory.
The London outfit settled much quicker into the contest, gaining an early foothold, while City struggled to retain possession.
Dominique Janssen was unfortunate not to break the deadlock on 11 minutes with a stunning long-range thunderbolt, which crashed off the crossbar. An early warning.
The Blues rallied but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Nikita Parris, who had an early claim for a penalty waved away, overhit a cross-shot, while skipper Steph Houghton – making her return from injury – watched two efforts fly over the bar.
Arsenal made their pressure count on 32 minutes, punishing City for some lax defending. The Blues failed to clear and the ball found Janssen out on the left. The midfielder floated a cross to the penalty spot where Beth Mead beat Jen Beattie to the header, and the ball fell kindly for Miedema at the backpost to control and slot past Ellie Roebuck.
City responded well but struggled to test van Veenendaal.
Parris fired over, before Nadia Nadim’s deflected effort suffered the same fate and Cushing’s side headed into the break trailing and needing inspiration.
The Blues were almost 2-0 down after the restart, as Janssen whipped a free-kick just wide but that would be the closest Arsenal came to a second as City pressed for a leveller.e
In a bid to spark his attack, Cushing introduced 2016 top scorer Jane Ross and in-form winger Claire Emslie from the bench and the Scot almost made an instant impact – first crossing for Jill Scott, whose header was saved by van Veenendaal, before forcing the Gunners ‘keeper into stop at her near post.
Stanway tried her luck with two trademark long-range attempts, which lacked accuracy, before Parris saw a header saved and Demi Stokes’ low cross evaded everyone.
Agonisingly, Parris then had a header cleared off the line – the Blues’ last real attempt – and Arsenal hung on for the win.
How we lined up…
Cushing made two changes to the side that rescued a crucial 2-2 draw with Chelsea last time out, as Houghton returned to action for the first time since suffering an ankle injury on the opening day of February, while Stanway replaced Julia Spetsmark.
Goalkeeper Roebuck was shielded by a backline of Stokes, Beattie, Houghton and Abbie McManus with Keira Walsh operating in the defensive midfield role. Izzy Christiansen – matchwinner in the 2014 final between the two sides - and Scott occupied the central midfield roles, with Stanway and Parris on the wings. Nadim led the line upfront.
What’s next…
City continue our defence of the FA Cup with a trip to Sunderland in the quarter-finals on Sunday 18 March (2pm) before we continue our Champions League adventure in the last eight, facing Linkopings on Wednesday 21 March (7pm).
