Manchester City Women 3-4 Arsenal Women: Five things we learned | OneFootball

Arsenal Women edged Manchester City Women in a seven-goal thriller to move second in the WSL. Here’s five things we learned as the Gunners continued their push for Champions League qualification.Arsenal’s quick-fire start punishes City’s costly errors

The worst possible start for Manchester City, the best for Arsenal. City’s struggles playing out from the back – exposed previously against Manchester United – resurfaced. Khiara Keating’s pass to Laia Aleixandri led to hesitation and a costly mistake, with Mariona Caldentey pouncing to slot home into the bottom corner.

Things went from bad to worse for City when Arsenal capitalised again shortly after. A well-delivered free-kick found Lotte Wubben-Moy completely unmarked at the back post, and she rose highest to head it in. Wubben-Moy’s determination and aerial dominance set the tone for Arsenal’s dream start.Manchester City’s Mary Fowler at the double

Manchester City battle their way back into the game after a tough start. Aoba Fujino whipped in a delicious ball from the right, finding Mary Fowler at the back post and she made it 2-1 inside 20 minutes. Despite more defensive errors, City’s determination paid off in the second half. Steph Catley fouled Fujino, and although the contact appeared to be just outside the box, a penalty was given. Fowler confidently converted, sending the ball straight down the middle to level the score at 3-3. Fowler has now contributed to goals in her last five WSL games (6 goals, 3 assists).Arsenal’s determination and resilience shine through

Arsenal’s resilience was on full display as they reclaimed the lead three times in a thrilling contest. Despite being pegged back from 2-0 to 2-2 and then 3-3, the Gunners showed relentless determination. Beth Mead’s driving run from midfield and precise low cross found Stina Blackstenius, who coolly stabbed the ball home to make it 4-3. Believe it or not it was actually Beth Mead’s first assist of the WSL season too! Arsenal’s grit was enough to secure all three points and go above Gareth Taylor’s side in the WSL by two points a great response after their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, while Manchester City’s defensive woes continue, having now conceded 10 goals in their last three WSL matches.Injury-hit Arsenal show their depth

Arsenal’s injury problems were significant heading into this clash, with key starters like Katie McCabe, Kim Little, Caitlin Foord, and Victoria Pelova all sidelined. Despite missing such influential players, the Gunners delivered a remarkable performance, showcasing their squad depth and resilience. Winning under these circumstances is a massive achievement for Renee Slegers’ side, highlighting the team’s adaptability and fighting spirit. The victory not only secured three crucial points but also propelled Arsenal up to second in the WSL table, reinforcing their title credentials even amidst the absences of key players.Manchester City’s inconsistency persists

Following their impressive 4-2 win over Aston Villa last weekend, Manchester City’s struggles resurfaced in a disappointing 4-3 defeat. This marks their fourth defeat of the WSL campaign, exposing ongoing inconsistency under Gareth Taylor. Defensive frailties remain a major concern, with 10 goals conceded in their last three league matches. While City still sit fourth in the table, doubts linger over their ability to maintain a serious title challenge.