Arsenal Women pile pressure on Chelsea in Champions League race with win at London City Lionesses
Arsenal Women boosted their Champions League qualification hopes with a 2-0 victory at London City Lionesses on Sunday.
The Gunners have extended their winning streak to eight games across all competitions and now trail third-placed Chelsea by one point, with a game in hand.
Olivia Smith opened the scoring in the 15th minute before substitute Stina Blackstenius sealed the victory late on in the second half.
The hosts started on the front foot, creating a few chances, but posed no threat to Anneke Borbe in the Arsenal goal.
Arsenal went ahead with their first opening, as Smith cushioned Chloe Kelly’s cross into the net with a left-footed strike.
Emily Fox came close to doubling the lead on the brink of halftime, striking a shot wide of the bottom right corner.
Arsenal picked up where they left off before the break, with Katie McCabe firing over the bar early on in the second half.
Alessia Russo then missed a good chance to double the lead after Elene Lete lost possession. She went around the goalkeeper but could not find the back of the net.
Arsenal doubled their lead following a well-worked move. Mariona Caldentey sent a pass to Russo, who delivered a cross for Blackstenius to tuck it home with a first-time shot.
The visitors ended the game strongly. A goalmouth scramble saw Grace Geyoro fire wide, and Borbe then saved Kosovare Asllani’s free-kick in the dying minutes.
Arsenal return to league action on Saturday when they face West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium.
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