The Gooner Fanzine
Olivia Smith's first half Gunners goal was enough to beat WSL leaders Manchester City Women at the Emirates on Sunday lunchtime
Arsenal Women secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over WSL leaders Manchester City with a first half goal from Olivia Smith.
Smith’s winner in the 17th minute inflicted City’s first WSL defeat since the opening day of the season, halting 13 wins on the bounce in the process.
The Gunners £1m summer signing’s strike coming after being fed by Mariona Caldentey, as Renee Slegers side made inroads into runaway leaders City’s lead at the top of the WSL.
Caitlin Foord nearly doubled the score shortly afterwards with a stinging shot City keeper Ayaka Yamashita was equal to.
As Arsenal dominated, the relentlessly combative Katie McCabe went close just after the half hour mark.
Five minutes before the interval, Foord’s shot was blocked, but the loose ball fell for Caldentey, who volleyed wide from 20 yards out.
As the clock ticked down towards the break, City keeper Yamashita showed excellent reflexes to tip over from Alessia Russo's powerful header, after the Gunners striker met Beth Mead’s corner in a crowded box.
On the hour mark Foord fired the wrong side of Yamashita’s near post after the Gunners swept forward.
As the game opened-up City appeared to have a strong claim for Caldentey to be sent off, after the Spanish international looked to have brought down Lioness Lauren Hemp, who was clean through on goal shortly after the hour mark – but no foul, nor sanction was given by referee Abigail Byrne, who simply waved play on, with Caldentey lucky to remain on the pitch.
With time running out, Slegers’ made a triple substitution, introducing Leah Williamson, Smilla Holmberg, and Chloe Kelly, the trio welcomed with great acclaim by the majority of the impressive Sunday lunchtime crowd of 39,155, as the home side hung on to seal victory.
