Ubogagu nets winner as Arsenal defeat Manchester City

Chioma Ubogagu’s goal spoiled Manchester City’s first league game in their new home, the Academy Stadium, as Arsenal avenged last season’s Continental Cup Final defeat.

Ubogagu struck the only goal of the game to inflict City’s first defeat of the season, with Jill Scott’s red card having meant the Blues played much of the second half a player down.

City had started brightest and Nikita Parris drew a good save from Emma Byrne on 19 minutes, her vicious dipping shot from distance bouncing awkwardly for the keeper.

Toni Duggan should have given City the lead on 33 minutes, meeting Abbie McManus’ cross unmarked in front of goal, but she somehow headed wide.

Ubogagu struck just three minutes later – against the run of play – finding space on the left-wing before nutmegging Lucy Bronze and finishing low beyond Alex Brooks.

City’s task was made harder on 57 minutes when Scott was sent-off following an altercation with Jade Bailey – the Arsenal player booked for her part in the incident.

Despite that, Parris came within inches of equalising on 83 minutes – clattering the post from a tight angle after cutting inside from the right-wing – but Arsenal stood firm to climb to second in the FA WSL 1 table.

Manchester City (4-1-2-3): Alex Brooks; Abbie McManus, Lucy Bronze (Emma Lipman 90), Kathleen Radtke, Demi Stokes; Jennifer Beattie; Jill Scott, Isobel Christiansen; Natasha Harding (Natasha Flint 64), Toni Duggan, Nikita Parris.

Substitutes not used: Elizabeth Seasman, Chelsea Nightingale, Georgia Brougham, Sarah Wiltshire, Krystle Johnston.

Red cards: Scott

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Emma Byrne; Alex Scott, Leah Williamson, Jemma Rose, Emma Mitchell; Jade Bailey (Caroline Weir 88), Kelly Smith (Lianne Sanderson 46); Danielle Carter, Vicky Losada, Chioma Ubogagu (Rachel Yankey 80); Natalia Pablos Sanchon.

Substitutes not used: Siobhan Chamberlain, Casey Stoney, Jordan Nobbs, Carla Humphrey.

Bookings: Bailey.

Referee: Martyn Rawcliffe

Attendance: 1,167