Arsenal v Manchester City LIVE: Result and reaction after Beth Mead’s late equaliser at the Emirates
Follow all the action from Emirates Stadium as last year’s second- and third-placed finishers clash on the season’s opening weekend
Manchester City striker Vivianne Miedema scored and made another goal against her former club Arsenal on Sunday but the Gunners still managed to grab a 2-2 draw in their Women’s Super League clash thanks to a late Beth Mead goal at The Emirates.
With City finishing second last season and Arsenal third, the drama began early with Frida Maanum firing the hosts ahead in the eighth minute, the Norway international burying the ball in the top-right corner after a slick move down the right.
It was almost inevitable that all-time WSL top scorer Miedema, who joined City as a free agent in the close season after seven years at Arsenal, would get on the scoresheet and the Dutch international struck in the 42nd minute with a heavily deflected effort that wrong-footed keeper Manuela Zinzberger.
Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord had an effort ruled out for offside early in the second half and instead it was City who went in front, Jess Park collecting Miedema’s headed knock-down before smacking a sumptuous half-volley in off the underside of the bar to make it 2-1.
Arsenal’s Mead was to have the final say, however, as she reacted quickest after fellow substitute Rosa Kafaji hit the left-hand post to squeeze home the rebound in the 81st minute to grab a valuable point for her side.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Attempt missed. Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal Women) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Kyra Cooney-Cross following a corner.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Corner, Arsenal Women. Conceded by Laia Aleixandri.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Attempt blocked. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal Women) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Corner, Manchester City Women. Conceded by Katie McCabe.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Attempt blocked. Aoba Fujino (Manchester City Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Lauren Hemp with a cross.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Attempt saved. Lauren Hemp (Manchester City Women) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Alex Greenwood.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Corner, Arsenal Women. Conceded by Kerstin Casparij.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Attempt missed. Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal Women) left footed shot from the left side of the box.
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