Arsenal failed to get themselves back into the race for the Champions League spots in the WSL as they were held to a 1-1 draw by London City Lionesses at the Emirates on Sunday evening.
Renée Slegers’ side could have taken all three points but were profligate in front of goal, as Frida Maanum’s early opener was cancelled out just one minute later.
The in-form Maanum, who scored in Thursday’s gutsy 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou, capitalised on early Arsenal pressure, steering a perfect Alessia Russo cutback into the back of the net in the 10th minute.
Arsenal’s celebrations were silenced a minute later as Isobel Goodwin equalised straight from the restart. The England U23 striker caused all sorts of problems for Leah Williamson, turning the experienced defender inside and out before smashing the ball into the roof of the net.
The equaliser didn’t provide much ammunition for London City to muscle their way into the game, as Éder Maestre’s midfield struggled for any sort of control. Instead, it was all Arsenal and Mary Earps.
The goalkeeper had the busiest night of her London City career so far, diving from left to right, rushing out for blocks, jumping to tip the ball onto the bar and constantly geeing up her teammates, as she so often does. It would have been satisfying for the former England number one to showcase her skills in front of Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman.
The result doesn’t move the dial for either side. Arsenal still find themselves six points behind London City in the race for the third Champions League spot, while the away side are now losing touch with Manchester City and Chelsea ahead of them.
“Arsenal have missed an opportunity to close the gap on their rivals in the top three, and the decision to send Misa up for a late corner showed their desperation to do just that. But unlike previous home draws, this feels like a decent result after a demanding week that saw the Gunners pick up a point in Barcelona.” - Max Radwan, The Cutback’s Arsenal correspondent
Analysis - London City underwhelm out of possession
London City have been one of the most aggressive pressing sides in the WSL this season, but at the Emirates they played more like a typical away side. They sat a little deeper and engaged Arsenal far later than we’ve typically seen this season.
Perhaps it was because they’ve seen how so many sides have successfully frustrated Arsenal this season by playing in the dreaded ‘low block’. But it wasn’t that Maestre’s side weren’t trying to win the ball back, they were simply failing to do so. The more Arsenal had the ball, the harder it was for London City to build any sort of momentum.
Maestre’s side have been at their best in possession, but without the ball they looked poor. Alexia Putellas is at her best when she can run a game with the ball at her feet. For much of Sunday night, you would hardly have realised she was on the pitch, apart from one shot that was tipped over by Misa Rodríguez in the first half.