Was it a foul? Analysing Katie McCabe’s challenge during Arsenal’s draw with Man City

Arsenal’s opening game of the 2024/25 Barclays Women’s Super League ended in a draw against Manchester City, and Katie McCabe’s controversial tackles were certainly back on full display.

The score ended up being 2-2 thanks to an equaliser from Beth Mead in the 81st minute, but a tackle by McCabe to win back possession that eventually led to the goal has created a bit of a stir.

The defender has built quite a reputation for herself over the years, becoming known for her bullish style of play and lack of fear when it comes to putting her body on the line.

At times this has got her into trouble, but some would say her cheeky attitude has very much worked in her favour in an effort to avoid penalisation.

And when push came to shove, quite literally, it didn’t take McCabe long to return to her usual ways at the Emirates when the Gunners were trailing City 2-1.

The clash in question played an instrumental role in regaining possession for Arsenal, resulting in Mead’s leveller.

McCabe collided with England international Chloe Kelly in her own half, resulting in Arsenal captain Kim Little falling on top of her.

As the defender does, she saw this as her golden opportunity to win back the ball. With that, she quickly got to her feet, chipped the ball and jumped over the pair who were still lying on the floor.

Despite raising eyebrows and dividing opinion, the referee was right in front of the action and at the time, clearly saw no foul play.

It was this act that many hailed as a ‘typical’ McCabe move and let’s be honest, it one of the many reasons we’ve come to love her.

It’s also not the first time McCabe and Kelly have come head to head. The defender was given a yellow card last year when she pretended to quickly throw the ball in from the sidelines, but looked as though she deliberately hit Kelly in the face.

Last weekend, McCabe rightly or wrongly got let off the hook, but we have to admit, we do secretly adore the drama she brings and it certainly makes for a more entertaining game.

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