Manchester City edge Arsenal in five-goal thriller to secure second place
Iman Beney’s late winner and Kerstin Casparij’s standout display sealed a thrilling WSL win for City over Arsenal.
Mirroring the ever-changing wind, rain and sunshine that swept across the pitch, Manchester City secured a vital three points in the Women’s Super League title race with a dramatic 3-2 victory over rivals Arsenal, pushing Andrée Jeglertz’s side into second place.
The match, which promised goals from the start, certainly delivered, with five strikes keeping the fans on the edge of their seats and reflecting the interchangeable moments of brilliance from both sides.
City’s efforts were eventually rewarded after 36 minutes. A precise cross from Kerstin Casparij connected perfectly with the head of Bunny Shaw, who powerfully guided the ball into the back of the net to give the home side a deserved lead.
However, the Gunners stunned the home crowd in the opening seconds of the second half. Mariona Caldentey found space in the centre of the box and unleashed a flying shot into the net, levelling the score.
City’s second-half substitutions proved crucial, with Iman Beney making an immediate impact. Beney’s initial shot resulted in a corner, which was parried by the Arsenal goalkeeper, leading to a goalmouth scramble. The ball was flicked into the goal off the foot of City’s Casparij in the 61st minute, restoring City’s lead at 2-1.
The drama continued as former City player Chloe Kelly, who had just entered the field for Arsenal, scored a stunning equaliser in the 75th minute. Taking a lay-off from Stina Blackstenius, Kelly quickly cut inside before unleashing a venomous strike into the top-right corner. The goal was met with loud boos from the City faithful, as the scoreline shifted to 2-2.
Yet, it was the home side that had the final say. A ball over the top from Fujino found Shaw, who then expertly played it inside for the influential substitute Iman Beney. Beney took a moment before calmly sending the ball into the low far corner of Arsenal’s goal, snatching the 85th-minute winner.
The decisive strike sent the City fans into a frenzy, ensuring a crucial 3-2 home victory.
What defined Manchester City’s game
Man City’s game was defined by two key players who made major contributions: substitute Iman Beney and full-back Kerstin Casparij. Beney scored the winning goal, while Casparij secured the impressive feat of a goal and an assist.
Beney’s introduction in the second half was instantly transformative. Her initial impact came shortly after her arrival, when a fierce shot was parried out for a corner. This set-piece led directly to City’s second goal in the 61st minute, as the ball deflected in off Casparij during the ensuing scramble in the six-yard box. Playing just 31 minutes, Beney completed her heroic performance by scoring City’s decisive goal after being expertly set up following a move involving Bunny Shaw. With two shots on target, 17 touches and an 83% pass accuracy, she was an ultimate difference-maker.
Casparij was instrumental across the pitch, contributing heavily to two goals. She provided the crucial assist for City’s opener, delivering the perfect cross for Shaw to head home. She then scored City’s second goal after her presence in the six-yard box led to her deflecting the ball in. With 54 touches, five clearances and a vital pass into the final third, Casparij’s blend of offensive flair and defensive resilience was fundamental for the home side.
What defined Arsenal’s game
While Arsenal ultimately fell short, their efforts to claim a result were spearheaded by the strike from substitute Chloe Kelly and the clinical performance of Mariona Caldentey. Kelly, a former Manchester City player who completed a permanent move in the summer, was brought on to make an immediate impact against her old club in a game where goals seemed ceaseless.
Entering the pitch for the final 22 minutes, Kelly demonstrated devastating efficiency. She scored a stunning equaliser – one of her two shots – that briefly stunned the City faithful and left the final outcome in doubt. Her scoring rate was particularly impressive compared with Caldentey, matching the Spaniard’s tally of one goal and two shots despite playing 58 fewer minutes. Kelly also contributed to the Gunners’ overall play with an 80% pass accuracy and two defensive contributions.
Caldentey, meanwhile, played a prominent role throughout the match, netting Arsenal’s first goal to level the scores in the second half. Her shot accuracy was perfect, with her only shot of the game finding the back of the net. Beyond her goal, Caldentey was crucial in driving Arsenal forward, completing nine passes into the final third.
Despite the impact of their goal-scorers and statistics showing Arsenal ended with more passes and touches in the opposition’s box, they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. The Gunners registered only two big chances compared to City’s five, proving that while Kelly and Caldentey were clinical, City ultimately provided the superior threat this afternoon.
Something that was missed
The return of former player Chloe Kelly proved to be a highly charged subplot, with the Manchester City faithful making their feelings known from the moment she entered the pitch as a second-half substitute for Arsenal.
Kelly immediately showed she was willing to discard pleasantries against her old club, engaging in physical play, notably bumping City’s Bunny Shaw to the ground. The hostility peaked when Kelly scored a stunning equaliser for the Gunners. The goal was greeted with audible displeasure, which intensified as Kelly appeared to kiss the Arsenal badge in front of the angered home supporters.
The booing and resentment continued until City scored their third and final goal. This ultimately left the City fans with the last word. As the final minutes ticked down, the previously angry atmosphere flipped to celebratory taunting, with the crowd chanting, “Kelly, what’s the score,” ensuring the home side not only secured the three points but also had the final say over their former player.
What is next for both teams?
Following their thrilling victory, Manchester City will immediately look to maintain their momentum in the WSL as they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday 12 October.
For the defeated Arsenal, the focus shifts away from the league table with a crucial Uefa Women’s Champions League fixture up next. They host eight-time European champions OL Lyonnes at home on Tuesday 7 October. Their next WSL match will be at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 12 October, against Brighton & Hove Albion, where they will be desperate to return to winning ways.