Isobel Christiansen wants to follow up her latest giant leap with another.
The pint-size Manchester City forward soared above the Arsenal defence to score the Continental Cup final’s only goal at Adams Park on Thursday night.
Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City
FAWSL Continental Cup final
Adams Park, Wycombe Wanderers
17 October 2014
And after breaking Arsenal’s three-year dominance of the FA Women’s Super League’s knockout competition, Christiansen, 23, hopes her exploits will grab the attention of England manager Mark Sampson.
“I want to play for my country more than anything in the world,” said the U23 international, who joined Man City from Birmingham City at the start of the season.
“The standard in the WSL is constantly improving and so the competition has grown and grown.”
Isobel Christiansen in action for England U23s
“I know it is going to be difficult but it is a massive ambition of mine, to do well for my club and then represent my country.
“I know this winning goal doesn’t mean that I will get there but I hope it helps.”
The goal that delivered City a first major trophy was a gem, set off by a storming right-wing run from Krystle Johnston.
Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City: Highlights
Christiansen said: “We know what Krystle’s strengths are, getting the ball out of her feet and crossing quickly.
“As soon as I saw her get the ball I just tried to get myself into the box as quickly as possible.
“As usual the delivery was inch-perfect and it was an easy header.”
Quite how Christiansen got there is another matter. At 5ft 4in she was towered above by Arsenal defenders Casey Stoney and Niamh Fahey, and also City team-mate Toni Duggan, who was contesting the header.
Isobel Christiansen joined City this season
Christiansen chuckled: “You could argue that I was one of the smallest players on the pitch last night.
“But the ball went straight between the two centre-halves and those types of crosses are undefendable.”
Christiansen admits that City spent the majority of the first half Arsenal fighting against conceding rather than entertaining thoughts of winning the game.
“Arsenal get the ball down and they pass. We knew we would have to defend properly,” she said.
“We knew that if we could out-work and out-defend Arsenal midfield then we’d have a good chance of winning the game.
“At the start of the game we felt like we were under the cosh a bit. But we managed to ride out the pressure.
“We finished the first-half strongly and that gave us the belief after the break. As soon as the ball went out wide we tried to get bodies in the box and that’s what won it for us in the end.”
