A dramatic late goal secured a vital three points for Arsenal in a hard-fought Women’s Super League encounter against a determined Liverpool side.
The hosts started brightly, breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute. Olivia Smith, facing her former club, carved through the Liverpool defense before firing a powerful strike into the net from the edge of the area.
Despite creating several opportunities to extend their advantage, Arsenal were punished for their wastefulness. Liverpool, showing the resilience that has marked their recent performances, leveled the score on the half-hour mark. A swift counter-attack culminated in Beata Olsson finding space and finishing precisely to become the first player in the league to score in four of her first five starts.
The equalizer shifted the momentum, with Arsenal appearing unsettled. The team has faced scrutiny in recent weeks amid questions about form and cohesion, following a series of inconsistent results.
As the match entered its final stages, it seemed Arsenal might be frustrated once more. However, with just three minutes of regular time remaining, substitute Stina Blackstenius delivered the decisive moment. She expertly controlled a delivery, turned her defender, and unleashed a fierce shot from distance that flew into the net, sparking jubilant scenes.
The relief at the final whistle was evident, marking a positive end to the home schedule for the year. While challenges remain, the result provides a significant boost for Arsenal as they look to build momentum. For Liverpool, the performance offered further evidence of their competitive development, despite ultimately leaving empty-handed.