Three Things We Learned after Arsenal Women beat Liverpool  

Here's the briliant Laura Howard with her must-read verdict from Arsenal's win over Liverpool after covering the WSL game from the Emirates press box for the Gooner Fanzine 

Stina Blackstenius’ 87th-minute winner offered Arsenal salvation at the Emirates as we entered the season of advent as she secured a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

Olivia Smith’s low strike from range had given the Gunners the lead early on, but a return to the pre-international break lethargy saw Arsenal pegged back by the in-form Beata Olsson.

It meant that, just like the 25 on her back, Blackstenius had to produce the gift like it was Christmas day to send the home fans into raptures and secure all three points.

Malaise not over for Gunners

Despite the relief brought by Blackstenius’ equaliser, Arsenal’s performance away from the two goals was a tough watch.

The malaise that had seemed to take over since that fateful second half in Munich had not been completely blown away by the reset of an international break.

The Gunners once more failed to assert their superior quality against a Liverpool side who had just five players on the bench - one a 16-year-old academy player - and sit bottom of the league with just two points from nine fixtures.

It seemed the perfect fixture to start anew but despite an early goal on 16 minutes from Smith that had the potential to coax out a dominant display, Slegers’ side reverted to old habits.

They turned passive in the following 30 minutes, with tempo down and a self-destructive willingness to invite pressure deep.

It was from an Anneke Borbe goal kick that Liverpool turned over possession for their equaliser, as quick passes between Lily Woodham, Mia Enderby and Olsson sliced through the Arsenal defence and snatch one back.

The second half looked much improved with the pigeon heat map revealing Arsenal’s dominance in keeping possession in the opposition half, with the birds setting up camp in front of Borbe.

But they still lacked a clinical edge as had been the case against Tottenham, with Alessia Russo and Caitlin Foord both spurning chances.

Stina maintains voodoo over Taylor

Gareth Taylor must dread that substitute board that shows the number 25 flash up in green ahead of him.

Blackstenius was perennially the hero for Arsenal in clashes against Taylor’s Manchester City sides and she has proved just as effective now he is on the red side of Merseyside.

Entering the field in the 57th minute, Blackstenius disrupted Liverpool’s five at the back, as the Gunners enjoyed far better chances than their first half.

“She's such a mature person now, a football player,” said Renee Slegers. “If you look at everything she creates, we don't reward ourselves early with the chances she creates or the spaces she creates.

“In the end we do it. But the disruption she creates and the backline is just not only for herself to create things but also for the team to get spaces as well.”

It was a raking ball over the top from Emily Fox off the right side that Blackstenius raced onto late on before swivelling at the top of the box and firing past Faye Kirby into the top corner.

The goal epitomised the classic Blackstenius instinctual finish and saw her once again come in clutch for the Gunners.

Reinforcements pending

With Leah Williamson and Kim Little back in the matchday squad, Arsenal fans were given a glimpse of the bolstering that could aid the squad in the coming block.

The returning captain Little entered the pitch in the 69th minute to the delight of the Emirates crowd and offered a reassuring presence in the midfield.

She made a couple of crucial defensive interventions and kept a 100% pass completion, dictating the tempo at the base of midfield as Arsenal pushed for the winner.

While Slegers confirmed that Williamson’s presence was only to get her back and familiar with the matchday routine after a longer stretch out, she confirmed the plan would be to involve her against Twente or Everton in the upcoming matches.

Both players provide elements that have been lacking to Arsenal’s game while it will be hoped the return of their leadership will also provide a boost to the squad.