Frida Maanum contributed to two of Arsenal’s four goals against Reading in an important Women’s Super League win.
The Gunners are pushing for a top three spot but are currently just outside the bracket by three points. However, they do hold a game in-hand over both Manchester sides.
Reading started the weekend in 8th place, just four points above the relegation spot.
Starting XIs
Arsenal
Zinsberger; Wienroither, Wubben-Moy, Williamson, Rafaelle, Maritz, Walti, Little (C), Maanum, McCabe, Foord
Reading
Moloney; Bryson, Mukandi (c), Evans, Wellings, Eikeland, Harries, Mayi Kith, Moore, Rowe, Vanhaevermaet
Embed from Getty ImagesHow it went
Just five minutes into the match, Arsenal gained an early opportunity to take the lead. Contact on Katie McCabe inside the penalty area saw the Gunners awarded a spot kick.
Captain Kim Little stepped up and calmly tucked the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.
From there, the tie opened up for the hosts as Reading struggled to find a foothold in the game. By the 30th minute, Arsenal had managed 12 shots to Reading’s zero.
The Gunners also enjoyed almost double their opponents’ possession.
Maanum scored in the 44th minute to put her side two to the good as the sides went into the break.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe second half saw Arsenal eager to put the game to rest. Just two minutes in, and Arsenal had found their third of the evening.
A tight-angled cross into the net from Maanum looked to provide the Norwegian her brace. However, Reading captain Emma Mukandi appeared to get the final touch as she attempted to clear the ball.
With the home side sitting on a comfortable lead, it seemed as though Jonas Eidevall’s side were happy to come away with the 3 goal lead. A defensive error in the 69th minute saw No.6 Leah Williamson capitalise. Playing in a midfield position, the Gunner’s usual starting centre back scored her first goal in a year.
Up Next
Arsenal will travel to face Bayern Munich in a bid to secure their spot in the Champion’s league final four before facing Tottenham in the WSL.
Reading will host league leaders Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter finals before facing Brighton away in the league.
