After suffering a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Liverpool earlier in the week Nick Cushing’s side knew a positive result would be needed in order to remain strong in the fight for the League title.
Despite an early goal from Nadia Nadim, Arsenal responded remarkably well – firing two past Karen Bardsley as a response in the second half courtesy of Danielle Van De Donk and Beth Mead.
What happened
City were strong from the off in the first half and it looked promising for the Blues as just three minutes into the clash it looked as though we would take the lead. Nikita Parris took the ball all the way before slipping a superb pass to oncoming Jane Ross, but Sari Van Veenendaal read the situation well and dived to the ground to prevent it turning into a goal.
Just moments later and Arsenal were threatening to score.
Jordan Nobbs submitted a thunderous strike goalward but Bardsley launched into action to punch the effort over the crossbar and out of danger.
Deadlock was broken in the tenth minute. Georgia Stanway launched into action at the halfway line and sprinted forward before offloading to Nadia Nadim. Nadim passed the Arsenal ‘keeper and slotted a low strike into the bottom corner of Van Veenendaal’s net.
Nadim very nearly got her second 13 minutes later as she headed Parris’ expertly pinpointed cross goalward, however her attempt just skimmed the crossbar and landed in the top netting – it was very close.
Despite City’s dominance of possession, the Gunners made thorough work of their own and looked dangerous. An example is Vivienne Miedema’s low bullet-like shot just before half-time, but it was travelling straight in the path of Bardsley who was able to comfortably catch the effort.
In the second period, Arsenal returned with fire and determination to level the scoreline.
The home fans didn’t have to wait long for their wish as Danielle Van De Donk took full advantage of a mistake outside the City box in the 50th minute when she snatched the ball and fired a powerful strike which Bardsley was unable to get her hand to.
The equaliser spurred the Gunners on and opposition skipper Kim Little confidently drove towards goal from 20 yards. Bardsley didn’t have to intervene as it slipped wide of her near post.
Arsenal continued to assert their new-founded dominance through the second half, which resulted in another goal just after the hour mark.
Reds skipper, Little, assisted Beth Mead who fired a left-footed strike into Bardsley’s net to give the home side the lead.
The Blues were unable to fight back and respond with an equaliser despite bringing on Melissa Lawley, Izzy Christiansen and Mie Jans. Our closest chance came on the 81st minute when substitute Christiansen headed towards goal, however the attempt slipped just over Van Veenendaal’s crossbar.
How we lined up
Bardsley remained in goal shielded by a back four of Abbie McManus, Steph Houghton, Jen Beattie and Demi Stokes.
Kiera Walsh was employed in her defensive midfield role alongside Jill Scott and Stanway in midfield.
Nadim and Parris operated on the wings, while Ross led the line up front.
What it means
City now sit second in the table three points behind Chelsea Ladies on 32.
Up next
Next, the Blues welcome Yeovil to the Academy Stadium on Wednesday 16 May (7pm) in the FA WSL.
Tickets for all home games are available and can be purchased online via tickets.mancity.com or at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office.
