Olivia Smith’s magnificent solo goal in the 17th minute proved enough to help Arsenal defeat Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City.
City arrived in the capital on a 13-game winning streak in the division, but a brilliant finish from Smith early on put Andree Jeglertz’s side behind.
With the WSL’s top scorer Khadija Shaw well coached throughout the match, Renee Slegers saw Arsenal hold on for a vital 1-0 victory that boosted their Champions League qualification hopes.
Barely a minute had passed when Vivianne Miedema shot wide against her former club, but Arsenal soon settled in front of 39,155 spectators.
Shortly after Caitlin Foord’s dangerous cross went unrewarded, the hosts took the lead in wonderful fashion through Smith.
Mariona Caldentey passed the ball over the City defense and Smith ran before rounding Ayaka Yamashita to score her seventh goal for the club in the 19th minute.
Leila Coker – WSL/WSL Soccer via Getty Images
Shaw tested Daphne van Domselaar before the break but City manager Jeglertz had seen enough and introduced Sam Coffey.
City were infuriated early in the second half when Lauren Hemp went down following contact by Arsenal defender Emily Fox in the penalty area.
Referee Abigail Byrne rejected the appeals before Miedema had the ball in the net, but the tie was disallowed for a foul on Katie McCabe.
Even though City pushed to extend their 18-match unbeaten run, the best they could manage was a deflected header from Shaw as they lost for the second time in the WSL this season.
