Olivia Smith scored the winning goal as Arsenal delayed their pursuit of the Women’s Super League title with a 1-0 victory over leaders Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
City’s defeat means Andrii Jegrats’ side’s winning streak ends at 13 games, with Arsenal head coach Rene Slegers still unbeaten at home.
In the absence of Stina Blackstenius, the record-setting Smith was given the role of Arsenal’s striker by manager Sleggers, and he rewarded his belief by scoring the opener in the 17th minute.
The Gunners forward received a wonderful through ball from Mariona Caldenti and slotted it in for Ayaka Yamashita to score.
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Olivia Smith continues scoring streak with Arsenal’s winner
League leaders City started the weekend with an 11-point advantage over their opponents, but with just one shot on target in 90 minutes, they lacked the firepower to become the league’s top scorers. This was brought on by a meek shot from Bunny Shaw in the first half, which was easily dealt with by the returning Daphne van Domselaar.
Arsenal continued to dominate in the first half, with Yamashita saving two goal-bound shots from Alessia Russo, but Katie McCabe and Caldenti’s shots went wide.
The second half was a little different, with Sam Coffey coming on as a half-time substitute to give City an attacking force in midfield.
But controversy erupted when Caldenti brought down City winger Lauren Hemp with a run into the goal. However, referee Abi Byrne continued to play and Caldenti avoided punishment.
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Manchester City are denied a free-kick after Lauren Hemp is brought down by Mariona Caldenti
“I haven’t seen it since then, so I don’t know,” City manager Jegratz said. “But at the moment it’s very frustrating because I really felt it was a clear free-kick.
“The fourth official said it was our own player who touched the ball. I didn’t see the ball so I can’t argue with that. But the moment it happened I was frustrated because I think it was a clear free kick.”
Replays showed Caldenti did not touch the ball.
Vivianne Miedema scored for City as they continued to attack for an equalizer. However, a mix of indecision and superb defending from McCabe meant they were unable to score against their former club.
The result leaves City with an eight-point lead over second-placed Manchester United, with a derby match still remaining between the two sides this season. Arsenal are 10 points clear of City with a game in hand at league leaders Leicester in the second half of the season.
Jegratz reacts to the end of winning run
Alex Greenwood looks disappointed as Arsenal players celebrate Olivia Smith’s opening goal
Man City head coach Andrii Jegratz:
“Coaches don’t really like to lose, but at the same time we played against a very good Arsenal side today.
“Especially in the first half, we had a really hard time managing all their rotations and how they overloaded us in different areas. We just couldn’t really make it work.”
“I think we were better in the second half and we sorted things out better. I also liked the way the game ended. I think there was a lot in the last 10 to 15 minutes that showed we were really pushing, but it was too late.”
“I don’t think[people saying City have already won the league]will affect the players. We are very aware of the situation we are in and we are still in a very good position in the league. We are still confident in what we have done so far.”
Sleggers explains why he chose Smith as No.9
Arsenal manager Rene Sleggers:
“She started to develop this week. We’ve been very successful with Stina in the nine (position). I think she’s very physical and has great speed. She wasn’t available, so Olivia and Stina are very different players, but we were looking for similar qualities.”
Olivia Smith gives Arsenal the lead against Man City
“Liv trained in the No. 9 position twice, two and a half times, we had a lot of meetings with the coach and he gave us the details without putting too much information in his head.
“She was still able to play instinctively, because that’s when she really excels. She picked up the ball brilliantly and the goal was exactly what we wanted to make.”
Analysis: Arsenal’s defensive resilience bodes well for Champions League progress
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz at Emirates Stadium:
Since the winter break, Arsenal have faced Man United, Chelsea and now Man City in the WSL, and are unbeaten in all three games, without conceding a single goal.
Even the best attacking team in the league could not overcome the Gunners’ stout backline. Shaw barely got a sniff, the exciting Kerorin was sent off with 20 minutes remaining and Miedema, who looked City’s most threatening player, failed to get a shot on target.
The league title may be gone, but this defensive solidity on the Sleggers’ side has had multiple benefits elsewhere.
Firstly, the solid centre-back partnership of Steph Catley and Lotte Uben-Moy will allow Leah Williamson time to recover. The England captain and Arsenal’s star defender will be able to take the necessary steps to truly get back to his best.
This is an excellent preparation for the return of the Champions League, and the excellent defensive attitude that prevented Barcelona from scoring in last season’s final remains.
This win against City, the best team in the country, shows that if Arsenal maintain this defensive solidity they always have a chance in every game.
