Arsenal Women twice surrendered the lead as Manchester City fought back to win 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium, leaving Renée Slegers’ side 10 points behind the WSL leaders.
Lisa Baum and Alessia Russo put the Gunners ahead either side of half-time, but City struck three times after the interval to maintain their perfect league start.
Arsenal remain on five points from five matches. City have 15.
Baum and Russo give Arsenal hope
Slegers had recalled Anneke Borbe in Arsenal’s only starting change, retaining the outfield players who faced Paris FC in midweek.
Baum opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, but Arsenal’s advantage disappeared before the break when Lauren Hemp’s effort went in via Emily Fox.
Mariona Caldentey also departed before half-time, with Caitlin Foord replacing her.
Russo restored Arsenal’s lead shortly after the restart, firing into the bottom corner to give the visitors another opportunity to take control.
Manchester City turn the match around
Kerstin Casparij equalised before Hemp put City ahead in the 72nd minute, completing the turnaround recorded in Sky Sports’ match coverage.
Khadija Shaw then made it 4-2 in the 84th minute to settle the contest.
For Arsenal, the damage extends beyond another defeat. Having already surrendered a two-goal advantage against Paris FC, they have again failed to turn a winning position into three points.
Baum and Russo supplied the goals to threaten the champions. Arsenal’s inability to protect either lead ultimately left them facing an increasingly difficult task in the title race.
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