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Football London
Football London
Sport
Hannah Pinnock

Arsenal vs Manchester City player ratings as several poor in WSL defeat

Arsenal Women were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City at the Academy Stadium on Saturday afternoon in their second WSL defeat of the campaign.

The visitors started brightly as Frida Maanum almost gave Arsenal the lead with a strike from distance, but was unfortunate to see it drift marginally wide. City, though, capitalised on some poor defending from the Gunners as Lauren Hemp tapped home to give them the lead shortly after.

Chloe Kelly made it two before the break, this time Lotte Wubben-Moy was dispossessed by Khadija Shaw and the England international was there to finish. A similar mistake occurred early into the second half, this time substitute Lia Walti lost out but the eventual effort was blocked.

READ MORE: Jonas Eidevall wants 'world champion' mindset as Arsenal head into crucial WSL clash

Stina Blackstenius almost made it 2-1 with her first real effort of the game, her run in behind ended with her shot hitting the post. Instead, it was defender Rafaelle Souza who handed Jonas Eidevall's side a lifeline with a headed effort to make it 2-1.

Despite late pressure, Arsenal were unable to complete the comeback and snatch something from the game. The Gunners drop to fourth in the table.

Here's how the players got on at the academy stadium...

Manuela Zinsberger - Entire defence ahead of her looked extremely uncomfortable, but she was there to make some crucial stops to keep the scoreline respectable at half-time. 5.

Leah Williamson - A rare poor performance from the defender, moved into midfield but almost instantly gave the ball away. Made a vital block after substitute Lia Walti gave the ball away. 5.

Lotte Wubben-Moy - Poor back-passes and easily dispossessed in dangerous areas. Shaw is able to get the ball off her and find Chloe Kelly for Man City’s second. Could’ve conceded a penalty after a challenge on Hemp, she was extremely fortunate. Subbed at half-time - sums it up, really. 4.

Rafaelle Souza - Tough afternoon defensively but rose above the Man City defence to head Arsenal back into the game just before the hour mark. Gave her team a lifeline. 6.

Noelle Maritz - Allows Lauren Hemp to get ahead of her for the opener, caught ball watching on too many occasions. Appeared to learn her lesson second half. 4.

Kim Little - Unleashed an effort from distance after 10 minutes, comfortably saved by Ellie Roebuck. Struggled to keep possession on occasion when under pressure from City players. 5.

Frida Maanum - Had the chance to make it 1-0 in the opening few minutes, but her strike from distance flew marginally wide of the post.

Steph Catley - Gave Hemp and Kelly too much space first half when the hosts were well on top. Put in a dangerous free-kick before the break but Arsenal were unable to make anything of it. 5.

Caitlin Foord - Put a shift in to help defensively when the back line was struggling. One of the few that played with some aggression. Subbed at the break. 5.

Stina Blackstenius - Lost the ball in midfield in the build up to City's first. Her first real chance came early in the second half, a fantastic run and was denied by the post. Quiet game before she was subbed on 80. 5.

Victoria Pelova - A really quiet game for Arsenal's new signing, held onto the ball a little too long on occasion. Overhit cross to Foord in the first half. 5.

Lia Walti (on for Wubben-Moy at halftime) - Came on and made the same errors, robbed by Shaw and Man City really should’ve made it three. 4.

Katie McCabe (on for Foord at halftime) - Contributed to a slightly more positive second half from Arsenal. Booked shortly after coming on. 5.

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