Clinical Arsenal inflict third consecutive defeat on injury-hit Manchester City | OneFootball

Arsenal have inflicted a third consecutive defeat on Manchester City with The Gunners running out 5-0 winners over Gareth Taylor’s injury-hit side at Meadow Park this evening.

The visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession but Arsenal were ruthless in their attacking play and they took the major chances which came their way.

Arsenal took the lead after just 10 minutes in Boreham Wood when Beth Mead won a challenge with Manchester City goalkeeper Karima Benameur Taieb who had raced out of her goal to try to clear the ball. Mead then played in Vivianne Miedema to strike the ball beyond the final line of covering Manchester City defenders into the net.

A nightmare start soon got worse for Manchester City as Arsenal claimed their second goal of the night. After netting the opener, Miedema turned provider for Kim Little who thumped a powerful effort beyond Taieb and into the net.

Little almost had her second goal five minutes later but her deflected cross bounced off the bar before Miedema forced a save out of Taieb from the resulting corner.

Lia Walti and Little both went close to adding to Arsenal’s lead early in the second half before Katie McCabe hammered another nail in Manchester City’s coffin on the hour. The Republic of Ireland international showed great composure to fend-off two defenders before striking her effort high into the roof of the net.

Janine Beckie then headed wide from a good position before Ellen White saw a shot hit the woodwork as the visitors searched for a consolation.

With Manchester City having failed to take their chances, Arsenal went and claimed a fourth goal from the penalty spot. Alex Greenwood caught Little in the area and the same player stepped up to beat Taieb from 12 yards.

The Gunners would end the match 5-0 winners with England’s stand-in captain Leah Williamson heading home in second half injury time.

The result sees Arsenal move to the top of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League table with a maximum points return of nine while Manchester City are already six points adrift.