Arsenal continued their winning start to the season with a dogged and hard-fought 1-0 victory over early-season strugglers Reading FC in the FA WSL.
Arsenal came into this one with a couple of selection decisions to be made with defensive duo Rafaelle and Leah Williamson missing through injury. Jonas Eidevall’s response was to start Steph Catley alongside Lotte Wubben-Moy in the backline with the experienced Kaite McCabe and Laura Wienroither starting either side as the full-back’s.
Meanwhile, Reading made a few changes of their own but started academy graduate Emma Harries, who alongside Lily Woodham, looked like the most dangerous player for Kelly Chambers’ side early on. Poor finishing was the tale of the game in the first 29 minutes from the Gunners’ perspective.
They knew a win by a three-goal margin would move them back to the summit of the WSL standings after Man United and Chelsea had both won earlier on in the day.
But in the 30th minute, Stina Blackstenius, who had missed a chance in the first minute, made no mistake this time around as she finished instinctively on the pivot from the edge of the box after good work from Kim Little in the build-up. Prior to this moment for the away side, Beth Mead and Wienroither missed golden chances for the north Londoners, who were visibly keen to make another statement early on in 2022/23 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The Royals’ half in the attacking sense was summed up by a promising attack coming to an end right on half-time as Rachel Rowe’s overhit pass was followed by the referee's whistle. WSL title contenders Arsenal didn’t add another in the second period despite both Katie McCabe and Blackstenius hitting the post.
Harries, who looked Reading’s most lively player, had a golden opportunity to level for 1-1 in the 56th minute but Manuela Zinsberger produced a point-blank save to keep Arsenal in the lead. Amalie Eikeland also had an effort held by the Austrian moments later.
Order looked like being restored despite a bright spell from Reading as Jonas Eidevall’s side were handed a penalty but captain Kim Little had her spot-kick saved by WSL debutant Jacqueline Burns.
Woodham, who was one of Reading’s few bright sparks, hit the bar from a corner. The warning signs were there for Eidevall who made a triple change prior to this moment which occurred in the 69th minute. As the rain continued to pour on a cold Berkshire night, it was becoming ever more clear that the north London outfit may not score the required three to go back to the top of the table.
Winning was all that mattered as the clock ticked down. That 1-0 advantage looked even more tenuous as the 90th minute approached but Zinsberger ensured the points were taken back to the capital as she denied Natasha Dowie late on and held from a late free-kick despite Reading continuing to push for an equaliser.
Arsenal Player ratings- Zinsberger- 9, Wienroither- 7, Wubben-Moy- 6, Catley- 6, McCabe- 7, Walti- 6, Little- 7, Mead- 7, Foord- 7, Miedema- 7, Blackstenius- 8.
Subs- Jordan Nobbs- 6, Frida Maanum- 6, Lina Hurtig- 6, Beattie- N/A.
Teams:
Reading FC (3-4-3)
Jacqueline Burns; Deane Cooper, Gemma Evans, Emma Mukandi; Amalie Eikeland, Tia Primmer, Justine Vanhaevermaet, Rachel Rowe; Emma Harries, Natasha Dowie, Lily Woodham
Substitutions
Faye Bryson, Lauren Wade, Charlie Wellings
Arsenal FC (4-2-3-1)
Manuela Zinsberger; Laura Wienroither, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Steph Catley, Katie McCabe; Kim Little, Lia Walit; Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord, Vivianne Miedema; Stina Blackstenius.
Substitutions
Jordan Nobbs, Frieda Maanum, Lina Hurtig
Attendance
3,660
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