Arsenal have bounced back after their midweek exit in the Champions League semi-final with a victory over Leicester City at Meadow Park, thanks to Frida Maanum.
A lone goal from the Norwegian secured an important three points in the Gunners’ pursuit of Champions League football at the end of the season.
Arsenal vs Leicester — Lineups
Arsenal
D’Angelo, Wubben-Moy, Beattie (Catley 57’), Rafaelle, Maritz, Maanum, Walti, McCabe, Pelova, Kuhl (Agyemang 90+10′) and Blackstenius (Taylor 58’)
Leicester
Leitzig, Bott, Howard, Plumptre (Purfield 58’), Nevin, Teirney, Mace, Green, Whelan (Jones 65’), Pike (Baker 85’) and Cain (Siemsen 65’)
Embed from Getty ImagesFrida Maanum on song again for Arsenal
Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute after a foul in the box on Katie McCabe. The wing-back stepped up to take the spot kick, but Janina Leitzig produced a save to deny the Irish international.
Hannah Cain had an opportunity in the first half to put the Foxes ahead, the ball fell to her on the edge of the area, but she just wasn’t able to lift her shot over the onrushing Sabrina D’Angelo in the Arsenal goal.
Leicester were offering more of an attacking threat following the restart, a free-kick from Ruby Mace was glanced goal-wards by Aileen Whelan, but the header was straight into D’Angelo’s gloves.
The Gunners finally broke the deadlock just after the hour mark. A quick throw found Jodie Taylor who cut the ball back in the direction of Mannum. The Norwegian set herself up and picked out the top corner for her strike, earning her eighth WSL goal of the season.
Embed from Getty ImagesMaanum also tested Leicester a couple of moments later. A long-range shot from a central position forced a fingertip save from Leitzig.
There were causes for concern for Jonas Eidevall as Steph Catley, after being substituted on in the second half, had to be replaced by Gio Queiroz in the 75th minute after picking up a suspected groin injury.
Arsenal were very close to making it 2-0 after Maanum’s free-kick rattled the frame of the crossbar.
Leicester pushed for an equaliser in the ten minutes added, on but Arsenal were able to hold on to secure the win. Their big three points keeps the pressure on the top three heading into the next game-week.
Up next for both sides
These two sides are next in action on Wednesday 10th May, as they play out re-arranged fixtures. Arsenal travel to Brighton, which is live at 19.30 BST on Sky Sports for UK viewers, while Leicester have a tricky tie away to title chasers Chelsea.
