Man City women lose 1-0 to Arsenal as 13-match winning run ends

Manchester City suffered just their second Women’s Super League defeat of the season after being outplayed by an impressive Arsenal. The visitors were off the pace in midfield for much of the match, and Olivia Smith’s first-half strike proved decisive as City’s 13-match winning run was halted at the Emirates.

Vivianne Miedema threatened early with a long-range effort but Arsenal soon took control. Mariona Caldentey slipped a pass beyond Rebecca Knaak to Smith in the 17th minute; Smith raced past Knaak, rounded goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita and finished into an empty net.

City’s attack was disconnected — Khadija Shaw, Kerolin and Lauren Hemp combined for just six touches in Arsenal’s box in the first half — and Sam Coffey was introduced at the break in a bid to regain control. Yamashita stood out with a number of key saves, but City managed only one shot on target and were comfortably beaten.

manchester city, arsenal, wsl, olivia smith, emirates, vivianne miedema, mariona caldentey, ayaka yamashita, khadija shaw, sam coffey