There would have been hope that the international break could offer the Arsenal players and staff a reset but the same problems reared their head at the Emirates on Sunday in a 1-1 draw with Birmingham. As they have done so often this season, the Gunners dominated most attacking and possession-based metrics – they registered 76% possession, a 2.73 xG and 43 touches in the opposition box – but their profligacy in front of goal and lack of urgency in their play once again came to the fore. Of their 27 chances, they managed just four on target as they toiled against a resilient opposition who understood the playbook.
Birmingham set up in a strong defensive structure, protecting their box admirably with numbers to frustrate Renée Slegers’s side, who famously struggle to break down low blocks. In contrast, Birmingham scored with their one shot on target as Océane Hurtré took her impressive tally to six in six. Sophie Downey London City’s impressive start to the season continued as they extended their winning run to four games with a 2-1 victory against Everton.
If the match against Tottenham before the break had been an illustration of their attacking power, this was a much grittier performance. The Toffees, who have the joint second-meanest defence in the league (shared with Eder Maestre’s team), proved tough to break down with London City managing just five shots on target despite creating 16 opportunities. Their two first-half goals, however, once again came on transition and were a sign of the deep quality they possess.
Plenty has been made of London City’s attack this season but it was their out-of-possession work that shone through. They have now faced the fewest shots on target in the division (12) and the way they handled the slight change of momentum in the second half when Everton switched things up and gained belief was an indication of their growing defensive mettle. SD Charlton may still be pointless six games in, but their second-half performance against Manchester United impressed their manager, Karen Hills.
After a rough first half an hour, in which the final score of 3-1 to United was established, the home team held firm. I think you saw that in the first half as well, when we actually got the ball we played some really nice football. It’s a team that’s very aggressive and on the front foot.
It was just the moments when we didn’t have the ball that probably cost us today.” Given Charlton only had 23.8% possession in the match, those moments without the ball were many, but finding silver linings when you’re down is important. Suzanne Wrack The 6-2 scoreline looked an unlikely one when Tottenham went into their dressing room at Stamford Bridge at half-time with the score level at 1-1. It had been an assertive first half from the visiting team against an increasingly impressive Chelsea.
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