Arsenal have continued their winning start to the new Barclays Women’s Super League season after holding their nerve to defeat Reading 1-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this evening.
Stina Blackstenius netted The Gunners’ goal in the first half. Kim Little had the opportunity to double her side’s lead in the second period but her penalty was saved by home keeper Jackie Burns.
Arsenal should have taken the lead inside the first minute in Berkshire but Burns denied Blackstenius when in a one-on-one situation. Beth Mead and Laura Wienroither then had good chances but failed to direct their efforts at the Reading goal.
The Gunners finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Blackstenius drilled her shot into the bottom corner of the Reading net.
Arsenal were again the dominant side at the start of the second half and Vivianne Miedema went close after Katie McCabe had made a hash of her initial shot. The North Londoners then twice hit the woodwork in quick succession before Deanna Cooper was superbly denied by Manuela Zinsberger at the other end.
The Gunners were given a golden opportunity to double their lead when Lily Woodham handled the ball in the box. Little stepped up to take the penalty but Burns came out big and made an impressive stop. Mead then went close before Reading threatened an equaliser again when Woodham saw a corner kick come back off the woodwork.
Both sides continued to go for it late in the game. Blackstenius flashed a shot just wide before Natasha Dowie was denied by Zinsberger at full stretch.
Reading continued to give it everything in the final minutes of the match but Arsenal held on as they made it three wins out of three in this season’s Barclays Women’s Super League.
Arsenal will now turn their attentions to a midweek date with Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League while West Ham United are Reading’s next opponents in a week’s time.
About The Author
