WSL: Manchester City 3 - 4 Arsenal
The first of two Manchester City v Arsenal matches on 02/02/2025
Arsenal piled on the misery for Manchester City, capping off a turbulent week for Gareth Taylor’s side with a thrilling victory in a breathless Women’s Super League clash.
Stina Blackstenius struck late to settle a seven-goal epic, boosting Arsenal’s push for a top-three finish and Women’s Champions League qualification. For City, the defeat compounds a difficult few days, coming in the wake of England international Chloe Kelly’s loan move to the Gunners following a protracted transfer saga.
The visitors made a blistering start, punishing City’s defensive frailties with two goals inside the opening eight minutes. Mariona Caldentey fired Arsenal ahead before Lotte Wubben-Moy capitalised on more slack defending to double their advantage.
City hit back before half-time through Mary Fowler, and former Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema levelled just minutes after the restart. But parity lasted barely a minute, as Frida Maanum restored the Gunners’ lead in a frenetic spell.
Fowler’s second, a composed penalty, brought City level once more after Steph Catley was penalised for a foul on Aoba Fujino—though replays suggested the contact may have been outside the box. The hosts were left aggrieved later when appeals for a handball against Leah Williamson were waved away.
In the end, it was Blackstenius who had the final say, her late strike securing a vital three points for Arsenal. The win sees Jonas Eidevall’s side bounce back from their defeat to Chelsea and move two points clear of City in the table.
More Manchester City news from European Super Football
It has been a rather chaotic week for Man City
Manchester City has had a difficult week, especially with Kelly's loan move to Arsenal being finalized just hours before the transfer window closed on Thursday.
The England international's transition was not without its challenges. She expressed on social media that she simply "wanted to be happy again" and did not see her future at Manchester City beyond the summer.
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