The news that the Emirates had sold out for the first time in the WSL inevitably brought a sense of expectation to the 60,000-plus fans who turned out in their numbers, and the game that followed didn’t disappoint.
Manchester United were outclassed and outplayed in an aggressive and high-tempo match-up which saw Arsenal close the gap to just three points between them and joint-league leaders Chelsea and Manchester City.
On closing the gap at the top, Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall said: ‘It will be nice to say (this game) will be really significant, but the reality is that it’s what we’ll do in the next eight games that will give this victory here any value.
‘If we don’t perform well in the next eight games, today’s not worth anything.’
United started on the front foot and looked set to cause Arsenal goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo trouble through the pace of United’s wingers, but any chance of the visitors taking an early lead evaporated in the tenth minute when Katie McCabe’s corner deflected off United winger Geyse and fumbled its way into the back of the net.
Cloe Lacasse scored a header to give Arsenal a two-goal lead on their way to a 3-1 win
It was the first time that the Gunners had sold out the Emirates in the history of the WSL
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall warned that the win meant nothing if they don’t follow it up
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The opener appeared to settle any nerves for the home side, and it was one-way traffic from there.
‘It’s such a poor goal to concede – it’s concentration. Any coach in the game knows that you can’t concede goals like that if you want to win at the Emirates,’ said Manchester United manager Marc Skinner.
Arsenal doubled their lead just over 20 minutes later when Katie Zelem’s clearance only made it as far as Arsenal midfielder Cloe Lacasse, who headed it past Mary Earps.
Gemma Evans, who started in United’s right-back, was given the tricky task of marking Beth Mead – a challenge which got the better of her just before half-time. The Wales international brought down Mead in the penalty box, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot which captain Kim Little coolly converted.
The safe hands of goalkeeper Mary Earps prevented any further humiliation in the second half
Lucia Garcia scored in added time, but it was a mere consolation for Manchester United
Although Arsenal were dealt an injury blow before kick-off with an injury to Leah Williamson, the Arsenal defence put in a superb performance, stifling United’s attack.
A goalpost and the safe hands of Earps prevented any further humiliation for the visitors in the second half and Lucia Garcia found the back of the net in added time – a mere consolation for the visitors.