Arsenal staged an epic comeback away to Manchester City as Stina Blackstenius’ brace in the dying minutes of the game secured the victors three points. Lauren Hemp’s early strike put City in control in what was an end to end battle between the two sides.

The Swedish forward found an equaliser in the 88th minute, backing up her performance with a second in additional time to halt City’s title race.

The visitors made four changes to their starting XI after a 1-1 draw with Everton last weekend. Captain Kim Little, Stina Blackstenius and Australian duo Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord made way for Cloe Lacasse, Laia Codina, Frida Maanum and Kyra Cooney-Cross – Leah Williamson taking the armband.

Lotte Wubben-Moy and Vivianne Miedema remained sidelined while goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo returned to the match day squad.

Manchester City made the one change with Kerstin Casparij returning to the side after serving her one match ban last week.

Ahead of the clash, Manchester City sat in the driver’s seat of the WSL on 52 points, six clear of Chelsea who only had one game in hand. The Gunners sat in third place on 44 points, securing European football for next season.

Adding to the narrative, Manchester City stalwart, Steph Houghton, was set to play her final home game after announcing her retirement at the end of the season

  • Story of the game

Arsenal won an early corner, the deflection allowing Laura Coombs to find her rhythm down the wing. The early passaged of play suggested an end to end physical battle between the two sides.

The hosts opted for a high press approach, Lauren Hemp running rings around Arsenal’s Emily Fox in the opening ten minutes. City’s inaugural set piece of the game saw Manuela Zinsberger in action, preventing the opener.

Continuing the end to end fashion of the game, 19-year-old Khiara Keating was put under pressure, Norwegian forward Frida Maanum attempting a shot on target – Arsenal’s first of the clash.  

Lauren Hemp opened the scoring for Manchester City, immediately running over to celebrate with Steph Houghton. Finding the bottom corner, Hemp converted from the centre of the box, threading the ball past Zinsberger.

Play continued to ping pong from end to end a genuine attempt by Chloe Kelly – from Jess Park’s cross allowing City to come close to doubling their lead.

At the break, City lead 1-0, Lauren Hemp’s early strike the difference between the sides.

  • Second Half

Looking to add impetus to their second half, Kim Little replaced Frida Maanum at half time. The pattern of play continued as Laia Codina had an attempt at goal, sending it past the post.

Immediately, the counterattack followed, Mary Fowler and Jess Park scrambling in the box to get the ball in the back of the net. Zinsberger’s movement and ball tracking prevented the equaliser, aided by Leah Williamson’s deflection out of the box.

The hosts made their first change of the game with Coombs making way for Filippa Angeldahl. 

At the 60 minute mark, with the Gunners struggling to find a goal, Jonas Eidevall opted for a triple change, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Emily Fox and Cloe Lacasse being substituted for Stina Blackstenius, Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord.

Although City dominated the first half of play, their dynamic became staler, and the game progressed. The side lacked what the injured Bunny Shaw could provide – a finisher. The Jamaican striker, City’s top goal scorer this season, was ruled out of the rest of the season with a foot injury.

Keating demonstrated her maturity and quality for the visitors once again, battling through clear discomfort in her knee and shutting down the dangerous attacks of Caitlin Foord and Beth Mead.

Invigorated, the Gunners found a last gasp equaliser as Caitlin Foord headed the ball to  Blackstenius who converted, bringing the Ginners back into the game. The comeback was on as in the dying minutes of added time, Blackstenius doubled Arsenal’s tally, playing hero for the side once again.

As the final whistle blew, Arsenal's victory was confirmed. Steph Houghton did not feature in her final home game of her career but could make her final appearance in a Manchester City shirt at Villa Park on the 18th May. 

  • Player of the match - Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)

Manchester City’s dynamic, reliable and tactical midfielder Yui Hasegawa once again delivered a comprehensive and important performance. Hasegawa’s vision in the game is one of the best in the league and her ability to keep hold of the ball and ensure successful passes supersedes most midfielders in the world.

Despite Stina Blackstenius' winning ways, Hasegawa showed consistency and composure under pressure throughout the 90 minutes.