FROM EMIRATES STADIUM – Arsenal thrashed Manchester United in a comprehensive 3-1 victory to move three points behind WSL leaders Chelsea and Manchester City, destroying any remaining hopes United had of finishing in the top three.
The stage was set; it was the first time that Arsenal had sold out the Emirates in the WSL and whilst this meeting at the N5 stadium last season ended in victory for the Red Devils, it was all Arsenal this time.
Marc Skinner made two changes to his side that defeated Southampton in the FA Cup last week, whereas Arsenal made six alterations to their XI after suffering a 1-0 loss to Manchester City.
United winger Geyse had little joy in the game as the Brazilian struggled immensely, inadvertently giving away an own-goal to open the scoring for the hosts.
Cloe Lacasse, being awarded with a league start after a significant period on the bench proved just how clinical she could be, using her tenacity to rule the left flank and secured Arsenal’s second goal with some quick reaction after Katie Zelem’s clearance was straight at her head.
Skipper Kim Little then converted from the spot to give Arsenal a 3-0 lead by at half-time after the hosts were rightfully awarded a penalty.
Lucia Garcia managed to claw back a consolation goal for United in the fifth minute of stoppage time but the damage was already long done.
After City’s 1-0 win over Chelsea on Friday evening, Arsenal now sit on 31 points, three points behind the duo (34). United the top three by seven points (24) with this defeat, only secured one out of a possible 12 points against their three main rivals so far this season.
How the game unfolded
It was a scrappy opening few minutes with the hosts looking rocky in defence. Former Gunner Nikita Parris should have given her side an early lead and poked home after Sabrina D’Angelo, retaining her starting spot, failed to claim the corner, but Parris skewed wide.
After that, it was all Arsenal. The hosts swiftly gained comfort and began pulling the strings. A few minutes later, the deadlock was broken.10 minute in, a United own-goal gifted the hosts the lead. Katie McCabe’s looping corner found Lacasse but the final touch ricocheted off Geyse into the net.
The Brazilian had been struggling, although Arsenal summer signing Laia Codina also appeared far from comfortable.
Arsenal then added insult to injury. Victoria Pelova capitalised on a nifty run to play in Stina Blackstenius, making only her third league start. As Zelem attempted to…
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