First half strikes from Rinsola Babajide and Rachel Furness were not enough for Liverpool, as Arsenal secured all three points in the Women’s Super League clash courtesy of a Vivianne Miedema strike twelve minutes from time.
Due to ongoing problems with the playing surface at the Women’s usual home ground of Prenton Park, the fixture was moved to the Deva Stadium, home of Chester FC.
The result leaves Liverpool living precariously above the drop zone on goal difference, whilst the Gunners continue their push for a second consecutive title win.
Babajide opened the scoring for the Reds in the 14th minute when she took advantage of a superb lobbed ball from Rachel Furness, but the WSL top scorer Miedema soon levelled proceedings after turning in a dangerous cross from the right.
Moments later the game was turned on it’s head when Jordan Nobbs headed the visitors into the lead, however there was still time for one more goal in a frantic opening 45 minutes as the lively Furness fired a left footed strike into the top corner on the stroke of the half time.
Despite the Northern Irish international’s best efforts, Liverpool were unable to get anything from the game as a 78th minute back post header from Miedema put Arsenal back in front, sending all three points to London.
Although the Reds were left empty handed, there were encouraging signs for manager Vicky Jepson, who will be hoping to cause an upset away to high flying Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Women’s cup on Sunday.
[Image from Katie Chan under CC License}
