Arsenal settled for a 4-0 win over Reading on Sunday evening and despite securing all three points, the Gunners sit outside the Women’s Super League top-three by three points albeit with a game in hand.
Kim Little sent Arsenal into the lead in the fourth minute by netting a penalty after Katie McCabe drew the foul on one of her twisting runs into the danger zone.
Frida Maanum doubled the Gunner’s lead just before the break by tapping in a low ball delivered by Caitlin Foord. The cross beat two Reading players, weighted perfectly toward the back post just waiting to be nudged past goalkeeper Grace Moloney.
The second half started with more energy from Reading but the Gunners capitalised on a defensive mishap, Maanum’s cross was slid into the back of her own net by Emma Mukandi which dispelled any comeback spirit for the Royals. Leah Williamson made it four lurking around the back post and finishing a rebound in style - her first goal in a year for Arsenal.
Throughout the entire 90 minutes, Arsenal moved the ball so fast and effortlessly across the park to dizzy a struggling Reading side, their attacking overload over wide from McCabe and Noelle Maritz down the left flank and Foord on the right, proved too much for Reading’s back line which forced them into a narrow retreat and a chaotic and poor clearances.
Rachel Rowe's effort kissed the cross bar and was the only real chance for the visitors.
Player ratings
Manuela Zinsberger - Didn’t have much to do. A little switched off when Reading posed a threat with a cross. She left it instead of covering her back post for any runners looking to capitalise. 6
Laura Wienroither - Dealt with the physical battle well. Had a volley but didn’t quite connect. Kept Charlie Wellings quiet moving one step ahead. 7
Rafaelle Souza - Calm at the back and didn’t seem too stretched. Had a strike from far out that got knocked out for a corner as it was not far off target. 7
Lotte Wubben-Moy - 50th WSL appearance for the centre-back, calm and cool performance. Put too much on some long balls risking slightly overplaying the ball but did her defensive duties well. 7
Noelle Maritz - Got higher up the pitch to support McCabe with a ball inside. Delivered quality low crosses that was unfortunate to be tapped into the back of Reading’s net. 7
Lia Walti - Great vision in the middle of the park to pass and move in free easy play. Was always free and comfortable on the ball, a key player through the middle. 8
Kim Little - Slotted the ball into the bottom corner cool and calm in the early penalty. Her touch and ability to carry the ball through players is a joy to watch. Her shot skimmed the upright in an attempt to double Arsenal’s lead. 8
Leah Williamson - Sprayed the ball high and wide so well. Wash pushed forward into a midfield role and looked comfortable. Did nearly everything perfectly and even got a goal in the second half. 9
Katie McCabe - Drew the foul and was awarded a penalty early on in a tricky run in a busy area. Fired a close-range shot with tons of space out on the left but was denied - a force to be reckoned with tonight playing a more attacking role. Great energy and impactful player. 9
Frida Maanum - Looked frustrated and missed a sitter from close range early on. Epic pace who got the better of the Reading back line when chasing loose balls. Scored the second goal just before the break. Put in the cross for the third goal. 7
Caitlin Foord - Fantastic runs at players on the right flank causing an imminent threat. Incredible footwork and work rate out wide. Got the assist for the second goal with a low cross that beat two striped shirts and found Maanum. 8
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