Arsenal have returned to winning ways in the Barclays Women’s Super League after recording a comfortable 2-0 victory over Liverpool at the LV Bet Stadium this evening.
The recently-crowned FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup champions saw off The Reds in icy conditions in Boreham Wood thanks to first half goals from Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord.
A sprightly start from The Gunners forced important back-to-back saves from Liverpool goalkeeper Rachael Laws. The visitors looked a little rocky as Arsenal were able to split their defence early in the game.
A sloppy pass from Leah Williamson then presented Liverpool with their first real chance of the game but they were unable to find the back of the net or capitalise from the subsequent corner.
A rejuvenated Blackstenius showed a lot more confidence in front of goal than in recent weeks, while Liverpool were unable to contain Frida Maanum as Arsenal piled on the pressure.
Following a lovely passage of play, Williamson was able to find the back of Laws’ net, but the goal was quickly ruled out for offside. Within minutes, Maanum was given far too much space to run and she passed the ball through to Blackstenius who was able to touch, turn and send her effort beyond Laws into the bottom left corner of the Liverpool net.
Arsenal immediately searched for a second goal and they soon found it. Maanum and Blackstenius saw shots blocked before Foord’s header evaded Laws to double her side’s lead.
Liverpool looked a bit more threatening early in the second half but once again, they were unable to keep a lid on Maanum. Fortunately for The Reds, Arsenal were unable to break through their defence as they prevented a third goal.
The visitors were maybe a little lucky to keep 11 players on the pitch. Ceri Holland put in a sloppy challenge on Katie McCabe, narrowly avoiding a second booking which would have resulted in a red card.
Liverpool had some more convincing spells of possession late on in the game but they were unable to make anything happen. A feisty contest was ultimately decided by those two first half goals with Arsenal collecting an important three points to boost their European qualification hopes.
Both sides are in Barclays Women’s Super League action again at the weekend. Arsenal host Reading while Liverpool will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Prenton Park.
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