Another late winner gifted Arsenal all three points this afternoon against unbeaten Manchester City at Meadow Park.
Arguably against the run of play, the Gunners found themselves ahead in the 14th minute, courtesy of Arsenal’s Australian pair. Caitlin Foord found Steph Cately free on the left side of the box who lifted her strike delicately past Khiara Keating to find the top corner.
Arsenal seemed likely to double the advantage as, summer signing Lacasse, won her side a penalty after being fouled by the 19-year-old goalkeeper inside the box. However, Keating would soon redeem her previous error as she denied Kim Little’s spot-kick and tipped the ball onto the post before it was cleared by the away defence.
The home side settled into the game towards the end of the second half and had the better chances of the two teams. However, as expected City came back out searching for the equaliser which they inevitably found. Khadija Shaw set the ball back for Chloe Kelly who fired past the Arsenal backline to find the net and draw her side level.
The winner was a late one as the young City keeper misjudged a long ball and in an attempt to clear, she came rushing out of her box. This allowed for substitute Blackstenius, to pounce on the opportunity as she slotted the ball into the empty away net, to end City’s unbeaten run and more importantly seal a prolific victory for Eidvall’s side.
After admitting it was an imperfect performance, Jonas Eidvall praised his side’s fight as he stated, “We said that [tactics] were one part of football but it is also running, dueling, fighting for inches and football is about having mental strength when you fail once to try again next time.” “To beat a team like Manchester City you need to do both and we did”.
Despite a stuttering start to the season, this win has put Arsenal in a more favorable position in the Women’s Super League table, as they have found themselves just 3 points behind league leaders and current champions, Chelsea and still yet to play the side twice.
It is hoped that this form is continued as the Gunners are set to face Bristol City midweek in the FA Women’s League Cup, a competition which they are current holders of and having won the trophy a record number of 6 times, it wouldn’t hurt to make it 7.
