Manchester City climbed to second place in the Women’s Super League following a dramatic 3-2 victory over Arsenal, sealed by a late goal from substitute Iman Beney. The match, which began cautiously, transformed into a thrilling encounter with momentum shifting throughout the ninety minutes.
The outcome leaves Arsenal five points behind league leaders Chelsea after five matches, while Manchester City now trail the defending champions by just a single point. This marks Arsenal’s third consecutive league match without a win, raising concerns as they prepare for a challenging Champions League fixture against Lyon.
The game nearly took a different turn when former Manchester City player Chloe Kelly appeared to have secured a point for Arsenal with an 83rd-minute equalizer. Kelly, who joined Arsenal in January after feeling marginalized at her previous club, celebrated passionately in front of traveling supporters. However, Beney had the final say, scoring the decisive goal moments later.
Under new head coach Andrée Jeglertz, Manchester City have now secured four straight league victories and five consecutive wins across all competitions since their opening defeat to Chelsea. The team displayed particular dominance in the first half, creating the better scoring opportunities despite challenging windy conditions that tested both goalkeepers.
Manchester City established an early lead when Khadija Shaw headed home from Kerstin Casparij’s cross following excellent buildup play. The hosts nearly doubled their advantage but saw a potential second goal disallowed for offside.
Arsenal responded strongly after halftime, with Mariona Caldentey leveling the score with a superb strike. Manchester City regained the lead through Casparij, who capitalized on poor defensive organization from a set piece. Though Kelly’s late strike seemed to have earned Arsenal a draw, Beney’s clinical finish on the counterattack secured all three points for the hosts.
Both teams created additional chances in the closing stages, with Shaw forcing a good save and Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius missing two late opportunities, but Manchester City held on for a valuable victory in what proved to be an entertaining contest between two title contenders.
