Arsenal came from a goal down to notch up a record-breaking 13th consecutive WSL win with a 3-1 victory over West Ham at Meadow Park on Sunday evening.
The Gunners had trailed after Dagny Brynjarsdóttir capitalised on a mix up at the back between Steph Catley and Manuela Zinsberger, but rallied to take all three points through goals from Jordan Nobbs, Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum.
Nobbs turned in a player of the match performance – her second in the space of four days following a stunning display against Zurich – despite being on the pitch for just 50 minutes. The midfielder was introduced after Kim Little was forced off with injury.
West Ham were unfortunate to not take lead midway through the first half when Brynjarsdóttir rose highest to head home from a corner – but she saw her goal disallowed after Little hit the deck in the build up. Replays seemed to show the Arsenal midfielder slipping as opposed to being fouled.
The Hammers did open the scoring after 35 minutes – and in comical fashion. Arsenal conceded for the first time since March as Steph Catley and Manuela Zinsberger failed to communicate, the former’s back pass ricochetted off the post, and Brynjarsdóttir was on hand to bundle home.
But the Gunners equalised on the stroke of half time. One minute after entering the fray after Little had been withdrawn through injury and with just her second touch of the game, Nobbs lashed a low drive through a sea of West Ham bodies and into the back of the net.
Catley atoned for her error eight minutes into the second half, providing the teasing free kick delivery for Blackstenius to guide home.
Arsenal wrapped up the victory 20 minutes from time, Maanum meeting Katie McCabe’s cross from the left to net her third goal in three starts in all competitions.
The result leaves Arsenal level on points with WSL leaders Manchester United – but the Red Devils lead the division thanks to a marginally superior goal difference.
Credit: 90min.com
