The hosts' conviction was far from snuffed out, but McCabe's goal signalled the arrival of Frida Maanum and Beth Mead into the fray, a daunting prospect for any defence, but particularly City's withered-looking backline after nearly 70 minutes of relentless Arsenal forays. The hosts' doggedness was commendable, but commending came only to a point, that point being McCabe, who struck into the roof of the net with just over 30 minutes remaining.

But the keeper somehow denied Arsenal from the ground before a dramatic goal-line clearance from Megan Connolly left Arsenal ruing what seemed destined to be rotten luck. A momentarily flustered Arsenal continued to hog possession, but a hitherto leaky City defence dug in, their spirited back five, buoyed by the inspired Clark, impressively thwarting their visitors for large periods.Įmma Hayes explains why Chelsea shouldn't be seen as WSL title favourites this seasonĪ confounded Gunners very nearly found their way through as Victoria Pelova's strike was parried dangerously back into the box by a diving Clark. But City have sworn not to be accommodating opponents and 10 minutes later, they came good on their promise as Rachel Furness’ glancing header left Manuela Zinsberger, and most of Arsenal's defence, rooted to the spot. But there was little Clark could do as McCabe pulled out a vintage belter from distance and fired the visitors into an early ascendancy.įrom there, the narrative looked straightforward. The Gunners, bidding to rectify a stunted start to the season, flexed their dominance from the off, pinning the hosts back immediately and stroking the game to their preferred rhythm.Ĭity opted to swap Kaylan Marckese for Olivia Clark between the sticks after the 5-0 rout against Manchester City, and the Wales international, on her WSL debut, was given an early taste of the night to come as Caitlin Foord forced her into a fine save at her near post just three minutes in.

McCabe proved the difference in an unanticipatedly tight contest that sees Arsenal move within three points of table-toppers Manchester City and Chelsea, while the Vixens remain marooned with zero points after a difficult return to the WSL. A brace from Katie McCabe gave Arsenal their second win of the Women's Super League season as they overcame Bristol City on Sunday evening.

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