A general view of Rush Green Stadium West Ham United Women v Birmingham City Women WSL football match, Rush Green Stadium, London, UK - 15 Sep 2019 Photo: Joe Toth for The FA

REWIND: Van de Donk double helps Arsenal to New Year victory at West Ham

Arsenal went into 2019 top of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League table courtesy of a better goal difference than nearest challengers Manchester City.

Joe Montemurro’s side were to start the year in perfect fashion as they won 4-2 at West Ham United while they were also handed the added bonus of Manchester City dropping points with The Cityzens being held to a 1-1 draw at Bristol City.

FAWSL Full-Time take a look back at that thrilling match at Rush Green as Arsenal took another step towards the FA Women’s Super League title.

The Gunners arrived at Rush Green having dropped just three points in 10 games but they were dealt an early blow when Jane Ross scored the opener for the hosts after 11 minutes.

The 2018/2019 Arsenal team was made of real steel and determination and they found themselves level when Leah Williamson headed home from a Mead cross before Janni Arnth made it 2-1 to The Gunners with her first goal for the club, Mead again providing the assist.

The home side were enjoying a solid first season in elite football under the guidance of manager Matt Beard and they levelled matters just before half-time through Ross.

Arsenal’s extra quality and top flight experience kicked in during the second half with Monetmurro’s side scoring two further goals. Dutch international Van de Donk netted both as The Gunners eventually made sure of the three points. First, the midfielder tapped the ball home from close range to make it 3-2 before the same player headed in Arsenal’s fourth goal from a another Mead delivery.

The result moved Arsenal two points clear at the top of the FA Women’s Super League table with a game in hand on Manchester City. Montemurro’s side would go on to lift the title three-and-a-half months later courtesy of a seven-point advantage.

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