Manchester City 2 Arsenal Ladies 0: Early red costs Gunners dear as Jane Ross and Toni Duggan score

Frustration for Fara: An early red cost Arsenal dear
David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Benge28 March 2016

Arsenal Ladies early season momentum hit a significant roadblock as Manchester City Women’s claimed a hard-fought 2-0 victory after Jemma Rose’s early red card.

The visitors, fresh from a 3-1 win over Reading last week, looked perhaps the more dangerous, with Fara Williams crashing a free-kick against the crossbar in her first WSL start at her new club.

Moments later the visitors task was made far more difficult when Rose was given a straight red card after dragging down Jane Ross as the City forward threatened to break through on goal in the 13th minute.

It forced Pedro Martinez Losa to ring the changes on his side’s attacking options. Assiat Oshiola, their main striking threat, was withdrawn at half time for Dominique Janssen as Martinez Losa made his second change in a bid to stem City's tide, Leah Williamson having already replaced Danielle Carter.

In one of a string of superb saves Sari van Veenendaal got down well to block at her near post as Nikita Parris volleyed at goal from close range.

Arsenal appeared to be holding firm and offering a threat on the counter but their first mistake of the game was pounced upon in harsh circumstances. Williamson failed to clear a ball down the left channel, firing the ball straight into the dangerous Toni Duggan.

The England striker got to the byline, whipping in a pinpoint cross as the visiting defence scrambled back. Ross was on hand to powerfully head an effort beyond Van Veenendaal and into the far corner.

City continued to pin Arsenal back after taking the lead, with only an outstanding dive from the visitor’s Dutch international keeper keeping out a fizzing effort from Kosovare Asllani.

A tiring Arsenal made further errors, with the departure of centre-back Casey Stoney only adding to the confusion in the backline. With 12 minutes left Janssen brought down Parris on the edge of the area. Duggan powered a thumping penalty beyond Van Veenendaal.

Arsenal could take plenty of positives from their defiance against City’s expensively-assembled side but ultimately it counted for little as sheer weight of numbers took the hosts to victory.

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