Isobel Christiansen believes Manchester City executed their game plan perfectly in their 3-2 defeat of WSL 1 title rivals Arsenal.
Victory would have taken Arsenal to the FA Women’s Super League with BT Sport summit but, after Alex Scott had cancelled out Lucy Bronze’s opener, goals from Christiansen and Toni Duggan set City on their way to a fourth straight win.
Arsenal 2-3 Man City
FA WSL 1
Meadow Park, Borehamwood
Sunday 9 August 2015
Natalia Pablos Sanchon headed in a late consolation for Arsenal, who sit two points behind leaders Chelsea and one behind Sunderland.
Fourth-placed City are a further point back, though have played a game less than those above them and Christiansen is thrilled they were able to keep up their momentum.
“We had one intention and that was to get the three points, so we’re very satisfied with the performance,” said the England U23s midfielder.
“Arsenal are really strong with the ball, so we did a lot of pressing to try and stop them from playing and we knew if we did that we were confident in our form to create chances.
“Today was an excellent showcase being end-to-end.
“We like midfielders getting goals, so I think me and Jill [Scott] contributing, we’re delighted with that and looking to build.
"Toni [Duggan] has immense quality, and I had a great view for her goal, standing behind her – it was nothing less than we expected from her.”
Lucy Bronze battles with Marta Corredera
City’s early pressure paid off from a corner, as Bronze headed in from close range on 23 minutes, the ball creeping over the line despite desperate attempts to clear from defender Scott.
Arsenal hit back almost instantly after the break, with good work from Danielle Carter allowing Scott, who had moved into an advanced position, to chip Karen Bardsley for the equaliser.
Parity was broken 15 minutes later with Bronze gliding through the defence and squaring for Christiansen to tap in on the hour.
They doubled their lead eight minutes later, as Duggan continued her fine run of form with a superb rising shot.
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The hosts were not finished however, as Natalia’s header made for an excellent conclusion but despite Arsenal’s chasing there was no way back.
“It was a competitive game but we conceded at least two sloppy goals,” said Arsenal goalkeeper Emma Byrne.
“In the first half they bossed us and their midfield was in control. We were always on the defensive.
"The second half was better for us, but their interlinking play through Christiansen was really good and we needed to get tighter, quicker.
“We should have won on the form we’ve been in. It’s a lesson learned. We’ve a lot of players to come back from injury and that can be a huge thing mentally. That mentality is a key thing.
“We need to kick on and today is a blow because the league was in our own hands and now we’re a little dependant on other results.
"But as long as we win the rest of our games, we’re a strong side with a strong dressing room and we’ll get back into training and go at it again.”
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