A detailed match report of the highlight of the WSL weekend, with Arsenal women beating Reading women in stunning fashion at the Emirates Stadium.
STARTING LINEUP
Reading: Moloney, Woodham, Bryson, Evans, Cooper, Rowe, Peplow, Harding, Chaplin, Eikeland, Harries.
Arsenal: Zinsberger, Maritz, Williamson, Beattie, Catley, Walti, Maanum, Little, McCabe, Miedema, Mead.
Arsenal once again start in a 4-3-3, with a front 3 consisting of Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead, and Katie McCabe. It’ll be interesting to see whether the academy players like Houssain and Hennesey feature during the match.
MATCH REPORT
A brilliant Beattie header! After a corner from Katie McCabe, Jen Beattie rises up and heads it past a stunned Grace Moloney. Arsenal takes the lead and won’t stop attacking. And Arsenal’s in-form ace Beth Mead doubles the Gunners’ lead after running into the box, Mead sees the ball ahead of her and passes it into the top left corner. A beautiful piece of play which puts Arsenal 2-0 up with an hour left to play. Viv does get on the scoresheet. Beth Mead cuts in and finds Vivianne Miedema, who slots it into the bottom left corner with her right foot. A Vivianne Miedema classic, to put Arsenal at the top of the table.
A brilliant first half for Arsenal, with the Gunners showing why they are such a good team and contenders for the title. No changes from either side, as both manager are content with their teams, but Kelly Chambers won’t be happy with the performance.
Vivianne Miedema. What a header. Another cross from Beth Mead which Vivianne Miedema slots away. At the back post, her header is directed into the bottom right corner and that’s where it ends up. 4-0 Arsenal.
Owing to a brilliant late save from Manu Zinsberger to deny Reading, the score ends Arsenal four, Reading nil. And you really start to realise the kind of statement that Arsenal are putting out, other teams will start to realise that Arsenal have this winning mentality and that it’s not going to disappear.
After the two-week break, Arsenal will face title rivals Manchester City and if they can win that, then Arsenal fans can start dreaming about UWCL trophies.
