Arsenal

Manchester City v Arsenal. 3rd October 2025

By Hatty Ruddick

A tale of 3rd vs 5th today with Manchester City hosting Arsenal- who have not had the best start to the season. Despite being the reigning champions of Europe, a relatively poor start to the season compared to City who have done well after loosing their first game. 

Manchester City starting 11: Yamashita, Casparij, Rose, Greenwood, Ouahabi, Blindkilde Brown, Hasegawa, Fujino, Miedema, Clinton, Shaw.

Arsenal starting 11: Van Domselaar, Fox, Wubbon-Moy, Cately, McCabe, Little, Caldentey, Smith, Pelova, Foord, Russo. 

City are forced to defend from the off as Arsenal are keen to prove this is a game they are going to fight for. Despite attempts from Little, Caldentey and Smith, Yamashita is a saving grace for City in these early minutes. The first attempt for City comes from former Gunner Miedema, who misses slightly. A goal looks almost certain for City with a header from Miedema and a rebound from Fujino, but van Domselaar keeps it level. However, she is not as lucky when Shaw has an attempt and breaks deadlock. 

Manchester City 1 - 0 Arsenal

It looks like Casparij got the second until the goal is called offside. Shaw tries to argue it with the ref,  but it remains 1-0. Foord tries to pull one back for the visitors but Yamashita saves. 

Arsenal start the second half well with an immediate goal from Ballon D'Or finalist Caldentey.

Manchester City 1 - 1 Arsenal

Change for City. Clinton is off for fellow newcomer to City Beney. Just before Casparij brings City back in front.

Manchester City 2 - 1 Arsenal. 

Casparij backs up her assist and goal with fantastic defence with a kneeling header against Russo. Changes for Arsenal to claw it back in the last twenty minutes. Foord replaced by Mead, Pelova replaced by Blackstenius and Smith replaced by former blue Kelly. Blackstenius tries to change the fate of the game, but Greenwood comes to City's rescue. A change for City, Miedema is off for Coombs. Final changes goalscorer Caldentey is off for Cooney-Cross, and Little is off for Maanum. 

This is all before there is some drama with former blue Chloe Kelly equalising for Arsenal- even kissing the Gunner badge. 

Manchester City 2 - 2 Arsenal. 

For so long of this match, City were dominating, and this was Casparij's game. However, Beney restores the lead and gets the goal with one minute of ordinary time left. 

Manchester City 3 - 2 Arsenal. 

Blindkilde Brown who has cemented her place in the starting 11 is swapped with Lohmann. 

Arsenal came to the Joie stadium to play today, however City were determined to move to 2nd place and this they did. Ballon D'or top five Caldentey and Kelly tried to take the three, but Shaw, Casparij and Beney snatch the three points. Casparij was the stand out player.

Manchester City v Arsenal, WSL, 02.02.25

Hatty Ruddick

In possibly the most dramatic week for these two teams- Manchester City and Arsenal go into their first of two consecutive matches, the first in the WSL. Both teams have had a fairly unstable season wit the first match being against each other ending in a draw. Arsenal had a shakey start- but have been in stunning form since the appointment of now permanent manager Sleggers. City started well, but have been plagued with injuries. Layzell could make her return from injury and it could see the first start for new signings Kerolin and Oyama. It could also bring the Arsenal debut of Nighswonger. New City loan signing Weinrother cannot play today with the away side being her parent club- however, this is not too much of a blow for the Blues, as former blue Kelly also cannot play today as City are still her parent club, despite it being clear that she will not be returning. City are currently third in the table after the London derby left Arsenal fourth. If both clubs want to remain in the Champion's League next season- they will both be looking for the win. It should be said that McCabe is still suspended for today's match. 

City starting 11: Keating, Aleixandri, Miedema, Fowler, Roord, Ouahabi, Park, Casparij, Fujino, Hasegawa, Knaak. Layzell is available. 

Arsenal starting 11: Van Domselaar, Fox, Wubben-Moy, Williamson, Catley, Caldentey, Mead, Maanum, Russo, Blackstenius, Cooney-Cross. 

The match starts with Miedema starting against her former team. It doesn't bother Arsenal however, with a goal in the first minute from Caldentey. Frankly poor from City defence. 

Manchester City 0 - 1 Arsenal. 

Miedema tries to equalise, but is prevented by Fox. Roord also gives it a good go, but goes behind the net. Mead tries to double the lead, but is called offside. With only 4 minutes in, neither team is letting us on this recently reflamed rivalry. City defence show up to the game 6 minutes in preventing multiple chances for the Gooners. A free kick given away by Hasegawa turns into a second goal for the visitors. Wubben-Moy heads the ball in. She has shown great form over the last two games. Wiegman must be watching her for the Euros. 

Manchester City 0 - 2 Arsenal. 

Blacksteinuis looks certain to make it 3 less than a minute later. Knaak prevents this. A real chance comes for City at 16 minutes, but it goes completely wide. 

City finally get their goal. Fowler gets it into the net in what was an unlucky defence from what has been a dominating Arsenal so far today. A good assist from Fujino who is really the game changer in this team at the moment. 

Manchester City 1 - 2 Arsenal. 

Back to back corners for City, first from Fujino, then from Fowler. The second well defended by Arsenal. Miedema looks certain to get it in, but kicks it directly into Van Domselaar's hands. Russo tries to widen the difference, but Keating makes the save. Hasegawa has a great go on goal, but goes slightly wide. Fox's defence is strong in this game, and is such a great asset for Arsenal this afternoon. Miedema had a second attempt, but was just out. 

A clash with Blackstenius and Aleixandri pauses the game, and wins a free kick for City. 

City have picked up throughout this half, but changes at half-time of bringing Shaw, Layzell and Kerolin on would benefit. Arsenal defence has been commendable and their forward performance cannot be denied. 

No changes at half-time for either side. 

The third goal for Arsenal almost comes, but it is prevented by Keating. Almost a perfect start to the second half by Arsenal. However, the first goal of the half comes from Miedema. She scores against her former team is consecutive games against Arsenal. 

Manchester City 2 - 2 Arsenal

Arsenal respond immediately and take the lead. Maanum swings the ball in. 

Manchester City 2 - 3 Arsenal.

However, she goes down and receives medical attention. She continues to play. Fujino looks to respond and score until she is knocked over. Fujino wins the penalty for City. It is a questionable penalty, it is outside the box- however Foster calls the penalty.

Fowler takes the penalty. She scores. 

Manchester City 3- 3 Arsenal. 

Changes for City. Shaw and Kerolin are coming on for Miedema and Park. 

Shaw is close to making her first return goal, but it defended out. Keating almost gives it away, but Kerolin out of nowhere comes to defend. If this is the first real play of hers that City fans are seeing they are in for a treat.

Change for Arsenal. Cooney-Cross off for Walti. 

Kerolin is making a real impact on this game, winning a free kick just outside the box. Caldentey is close to the fourth after Aleixandri gives the ball away. Hasegawa defends. Russo goes for the net and goes over. The game feels rushed from both teams. Until Blackstenius gets the fourth, despite calls from City fans to call it sa offside.

Arsenal 4 - Manchester City 3. 

In defence Casparij knocks over Russo and is booked for the foul. City need to calm down.  Shaw almost has a chance until she is called offside. City fans and the team are in uproar as they shout for a Williamson handball, but it isn't called. 

Change for Arsenal. Blackstenius off, Kafaji on. 

5 minutes are added on to the match. 

Kerolin has her first attempt for City and just before the corner there is a change for Arsenal. Mead is off for Ilestedt. The corner goes on top of the net. 

Arsenal take the three points. Manchester City 3- 4 Arsenal.

Liverpool v Arsenal, WSL, 15.12.24

Hatty Ruddick

After a real change of fate for Arsenal this season, with upcoming uncertainty of leadership, they come to face 7th in the table Liverpool at St. Helen's. With Liverpool only winning one of their last five games in all competitions and Arsenal winning all, the away side look set to take the 3 points today, especially as in all 34 meets between the two sides, Arsenal have take 28 of those matches. Russo will be looking to score to be sixth Arsenal player to ever score in five consecutive WSL appearances. Fans are waiting to see if Kim Little is available for Arsenal today, Lia Walti will not be. For Liverpool, Höbinger, Silcock and Kiernan still look to be out. 

Starting 11 for Liverpool: Micah, Fisk, Clark, Bonner, Matthews, Hinds, Nagano, Shaw, Holland, Enderby, Smith

Starting 11 for Arsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Cately, Mariona, Mead, McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Russo, Cooney-Cross. 

Both Little and Silcock are available and on the bench.

Early from the bat Arsenal start with possession but after a foul on Holland by Maanum, Liverpool gain. Arsenal quickly take control again. An early chance for Arsenal with Foord taking the chance but being called offside and going over the net regardless. The away team are dominating these early minutes. In defence, Mccabe takes down Nagano and Holland. A free kick for Liverpool. In going for goal Bonner goes down but is quickly back up. Russo goes for the goal- which she needs to break the aim she has set, however is called offside. Both teams are pushing today so far. While Arsenal are dominating possession, both teams have a chance here.

Smith comes close to the score sheet for Liverpool, heading the ball in slightly wide. Corner for Arsenal taken by Mccabe brings the goal for Arsenal. Russo makes her record.

Liverpool 0 – 1 Arsenal

Penalty for Arsenal won by Russo as Bonner fouls her as she is going for goal. Taken by Caldentey. It hits the post. Hinds tries to put Liverpool back in the running and shoots the ball directly in Van Domselaar’s hands. Liverpool has another chance at 34 minutes with a free kick taken by Holland. It is defended well by Arsenal. Maanum tries to repeat the strong performance at the other side of the pitch but goes wide.

At this stage, both teams are playing well; despite Matt Beard’s shouting from the side lines and the match could be anyone’s in the second half. Possession is very heavy for the Londoners, however, when the home side get their chances, they are taking them.

At the end of the first half medics are on for Enderby. Play continues as she is seen. A chance comes for Liverpool with an almost own goal from Mccabe that hits the post and then medics need to come on for Smith. Play is paused as both are seen to. Enderby does come back up, as does Smith.

The half ends. Liverpool 0 – 1 Arsenal

Second half begins. No changes for either side. Arsenal begin again with heavy possession. Mead goes for goal but is blocked by Holland. Fox tries but goes over the top. The Liverpool defence is strong, making chance for Hinds to run the ball to the top. Fisk goes for the attempt but is blocked by Mccabe. In the defence, Catley goes down and physios are on. She is returned to play.

Changes for Arsenal, Maanum off Little, Mead off for Blackstenius. Immediately after coming on Blackstenius is fouled and wins a free kick. Arsenal are dominating this third quarter with attempt after attempt. Liverpool needs fresh legs quickly. Hinds tackles Caldentey and is awarded a yellow for the tackle. Liverpool has their chance with a free kick taken by Holland that misses. Hinds then has the ball clear directly in front of goal and slips. Van Domselaar stops the chance. The equaliser was in sight. Williamson then fouls Smith who is down for a significant amount of time while play continues. Eventually Burgin notices and medics are on.

During the medical pause, Beard is given a yellow card for his behaviour on the side lines. He will now have a ban for the next match.

Change for Arsenal. Foord off for Hurtig.

Changes for Liverpool. Daniels is on for Shaw. Silcock on for Nagano.

Mccabe picks up the third yellow of the match for a foul on Smith. She has to be a consideration to come off for Beard.

Three changes for Liverpool. Enderby off for Kapocs. Matthews off for Evans. Bonner off for Fahey.  With 5 minutes of ordinary time left, a big impact is needed for the home side to come away with anything today. Smith goes down again this match but is quickly back up. Liverpool has got 5 minutes of additional time to bring this back.

In the last few minutes, Caldentey comes off for Wubben-Moy.

Russo goes for a goal is the final seconds, but Micah prevents it.

Arsenal win away. Liverpool 0 – 1 Arsenal.

Manchester United v Arsenal, WSL, 03.11.24

Hatty Ruddick

In one of United's biggest matches of the season, they face southern rivals Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village. Both teams have a lot to prove after the international break with this being another game for Arsenal under interim manager Renee Slegers. Since the change of manager, Arsenal have made a real change to their fate this season, with two wins under their belts. United, however, have had a real positive start to the season after coming fifth last year and winning the FA cup, despite loosing stars such as Mary Earps. Last season, Arsenal beat United with an aggregate score of 5-3. Will today's game change the Northerner's fate?

Starting 11 for United: Tullis-Joyce, George, Le Tissier, Mannion, Toone, Clinton, Bizet, Naalsund, Janssen, Terland, Turner

Starting 11 for Arsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona, Little, McCabe, Maanum, Walti, Foord, Russo   

Arsenal win early possession from the home side. However, Arsenal are quick to bring the ball out of play three times in one minute within the second minute of play. This doesn't speed down momentum as Clinton is close to an attempt at 3 minutes, that is cleared by international team mate Williamson. This brings two United corners closely followed by each other. 

Toone almost brings United on the scoreboard at 5 minutes with a strong ball, directly into Van Domselaar's hands. Former team mate Russo repeats this at 7 minutes, but goes behind the goal. Will today's match be a battle of the best friends? Turner does well to defend a second attempt, just before a yellow card for Arsenal's Kim Little after a foul on Toone. A free kick mid-pitch for United, just before a free kick is given to Arsenal after a foul by Clinton. Taken by Maanum. The free kick provides an opportunity, but no reward for the away side. 

Arsenal corner at 12 minutes with no goal after a second attempt from Russo. The ball quickly makes it's way down to the other side of the pitch. Both teams are playing well, but neither team is making it to an attempt at this point, until Clinton and Toone try for an attempt. Clinton ends up giving away a throwing after a scuffle for the ball at 21 minutes, ending this run for goal. 

Russo is proving to be dangerous for United, both in attacking and defence as she prevents attempts for international team mate Clinton. A strong attempt by Maanum at 24 minutes goes wide and gives a corner to Arsenal. This comes very close to an Arsenal goal with Tullis-Joyce being out of the box, but is cleared by United defence. Arsenal are determined to not let this stop them and keep the ball in their half for the near future. 

This doesn't stop United as Terland comes close to a goal that is saved by Van Domselaar, as Terland also pushes over Catley. 

The ball quickly ends up in Arsenal's haf with Maanum making an attempt that is saved. After the ball remaining midfield for a significant time, Terland heads the ball into goal, to go directly into the goal keeper's hands. A strong attempt from United's new signing this season. 

McCabe has an impressive corner at 34 minutes, repeating the trajectory of her famous world cup goal, however Tullis-Joyce sees this coming and catches the corner. Arsenal have another strong attempt at 36 minutes, which is again saved. Tullis-Joyce is doing a great job and is fitting into this role of goal keeper well this season. Without her skill, United would be at least 3 goals down. 

With Wiegman watching today's match in person, she must be impressed with Grace Clinton, who is making the runs across the pitch and is constantly chasing the ball. She is proving to be a real star of the home side this season after her loan at Spurs. 

Arsenal continue to go for goal in the seconds before 45 minutes, but the United defence proves too strong. It remains goalless at half-time with no added time. 

Substitution at half-time, Maanum off for Mead. Naalsund off for Awujo. 

Russo comes close to scoring in the first minute of the second half, but ultimately hits the post. She does this again with a strong header at 49 minutes into Tullis-Joyce's hands. She is determined to score against her former team. 

Medics are on at 50 minutes for George who is hit in the face with the ball. Play continues a minute later. Arsenal use this time to regroup as they are determined to score. Yet another attempt is saved at 54 minutes. United need to pick up their defence if they want to win on manager Skinner's 100th match for the home side. 

Mead goes down at 55 minutes, winning a free kick for Arsenal, taken by Irish captain McCabe. No goal is scored. As play continues, a yellow is awarded to Turner; on her 150th appearance for United, for a foul on former team mate Russo. Free kick to Arsenal. 

Changed for United. Mannion and Toone off for Riviere and Malard. This game is exciting, with both teams hungry and not letting either side get ahead. 

This changes as at 62 minutes, Arsenal get their goal with former United player Russo getting her well deserved goal. 

United 0 - 1 Arsenal. 

In response, Clinton goes for her goal, but in a run is fouled by Foord. Free kick to United taken by Le Tissier. This results in a United corner directly into Van Domselaar’s hands; who has been very relaxed this half so far and not needed until now. 

Mead goes for a second and tries to head it into goal, but goes wide. Russo is determined and also tries for a second, but goes wide. 

Clinton gets her revenge on Foord who knocks the Australian over, giving a free kick to Arsenal. Taken by McCabe, no goal.

Play is paused as Mead and McCabe request from fourth official Cheryl Foster to change the ball and to check that Turner is well after a knock. Play continues after a minute and regroup for both teams. 

Changes for United. Terland off for Williams. Bizet off for Geyse. Change for Arsenal. Blackstenius on for goal scorer Russo. 

Williamson takes a nasty tumble into the stands after a run in with Geyse. Play continues. An argument from Arsenal is that a yellow should have been given due to the strength of Geyse's push, but no cards are pulled. 

Williams is in the perfect position at 81 minutes to make an attempt, but none is made. Geyse wins the corner straight after leading to the equaliser for United. Malard makes it 1 all. 

United 1 - 1 Arsenal. 

Arsenal will be questioning that decision for no free kick now. They are redeemed at 84 minutes as Awujo's foot lands into Fox's shin and they win the free kick. 

McCabe gets a yellow card for a foul on Riviere and Foord for disagreeing with the ref before a triple change for Arsenal. Little, Caldentey and Foord off for Kafaji, Cooney-Cross and Hurtig. 

The earlier won free kick for United results in a corner, that does not change the score. Much to the music of the ears for both teams, 6 minutes are added on. 

Arsenal win a corner, in possibly a last attempt at a win, with Williamson attempting to head the ball in, but is ultimately prevented by Tullis-Joyce. 

Malard wins a free kick in the final minutes, taken by captain Le Tissier, and Awujo cannot translate this to a goal. 

Ultimately it is a draw for the reds. 

United 1-1 Arsenal.

Arsenal v City, WSL, 23.09.24

Hatty Ruddick

In an attempt to change last season’s record in the first WSL game of 24-25, 2nd place winners Manchester City meet 3rd place Arsenal. Last season City lost both WSL games to Arsenal, so the blues will be looking to change the record in their first trip down south this year. Three WSL debuts are due to made today with Mariona, Yamashita and Fujino. 

The starting 11 for Arsenal is as follows: Zinsberger, Fox, Wubben-Moy, Codina, Mariona, Little, McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Blacksteinius, Cooney-Cross.

In her first trip back to the Emirates for a different team, Miedema debuts in the WSL for City along with Yamashita, Aleixandri, Greenwood for her first WSL game as the official captain, Hemp, Ouahbi, Park, Casparij, Fujino, Last season’s golden boot winner Shaw and Hasegawa. 

Both teams started off strong, with both making presses towards the goal. The first attempt comes in at 6 minutes for City which goes wide. At 7 minutes Maanum opens the score sheet with a goal for Arsenal. This is where City start to lose confidence. They are losing the ball too easily. Casparij does bring the defence back conceding a corner to Arsenal which Shaw clears. This is a pattern that follows for most of the first half. Keating certainly felt missing from the squad in the early minutes of the game. 

City do start to show some passion at 28 minutes with attempts coming from Hemp, but ultimately the Arsenal defence is too strong. Caspari is particularly impressive and is City’s key strength which is needed as Ouahabi comes off the pitch for an injury at 38 minutes, subbed by Matildas star Kennedy.

City picked back up with a goal from Miedema at 42 minutes in her first game against her former club. City start to play better, but right now it is clear that Arsenal have better form at the Emirates taking the game to half-time. 

No changes are made at half-time. McCabe tries to give Arsenal a lead at 46 minutes with a goal that is ultimately called as offside. Fox tries to save this with a strong press and attempt that is saved and results in a corner. For the first 10 minutes of this half there is a pattern of Arsenal attempts that are saved until Park breaks the pattern with a goal for City at 57 minutes. After medics are brought on for Wubben-Moy, Park tries to give City a 2 goal lead with a second attempt. Hemp, Miedema and Fujino try to replicate without reward. 

Changes for Arsenal at 62 minutes with Foord and Blacksteinus off for Mead and Russo. The subs bring a change of pace to the game, which is suddenly fast and exciting. This is stopped when Bunny Shaw is knocked over and Arsenal’s manager receives a yellow card for his reaction. Hemp is then fouled by Mead leading to a free kick and a saved attempt. 

At 72 minutes changes are made for both teams. Maanum and Cooney-Cross are off for Kafaji and Walti. Kelly and Fowler come on for Fujino and Miedema. The changes bring a sense of confidence as Yamashita saves an attempt and Hemp clears two further attempts. However, City become complacent with Caspari receiving a yellow card and Mead scoring at 80 minutes, making it 2 all. 

Bunny and Mccabe start the last 10 minutes by colliding in the head. This starts a series of yellow cards for City with Greenwood, Park, Shaw and Hemp all receiving yellow cards in the last part of the match. The end of the match feels like a panic of attempts that are all ultimately saved by both teams, ending the match with a point to both teams.

Post match press conference 05.05.24

Hatty Ruddick

Regarding Kim Little's absence from the starting lineup, it's a tactical decision. We believe her impact is often more significant towards the latter stages of the game, where her experience and skill can help us finish strong.

The match had its ebbs and flows. The first half lacked the fluidity we aimed for, but the second half showcased our character and belief. We were braver, more offensive, and imposed our style of play on City. This victory is a testament to our progress and resilience.

As for Blacksteinuis's contract extension, negotiations are ongoing. We'll provide concrete updates once everything is finalized.

Yes, while we've had victories against big rivals this season, we remain focused on our journey rather than the league table. Winning against City away for the first time in seven years is significant, but our sights are set on continuous improvement.

Next season, we enter with the belief that we can triumph against any opponent. Consistency and effectiveness will be key, and we'll strive to maintain our winning mentality.

Manchester City Manager:

It was a tough match for us. Credit to Arsenal for their performance, particularly in the second half. We struggled to maintain control and conceded more territory than we would have liked. The defeat is disappointing, but we must regroup for our next game.

The title race remains challenging, and we understand the expectations. We anticipate Chelsea's strong finish, but we'll focus on winning our remaining matches and hope it's enough to contend for the title. Our mentality remains unwavering, despite the obstacles we face.

Today's match highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining intensity and defensive organization. We'll address these issues as we prepare for the crucial games ahead.