Is the title race back on? Arsenal beat WSL leaders Man City

Arsenal reignited their Women’s Super League title hopes and trimmed Manchester City’s lead at the summit with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at a sold-out Emirates Stadium, where 39,155 spectators roared the hosts to a statement win.

The afternoon began in celebratory fashion as Arsenal paraded the Women’s Champions Cup trophy won last weekend, the freshly crowned European and world champions greeted by a thunderous reception that appeared to energise the hosts from the first whistle.

The only goal arrived midway through the first half. Spanish playmaker Mariona Caldentey threaded a precise pass between the City centre-backs, releasing Canada international Olivia Smith. Smith’s searing pace took her clear of Rebecca Knaak, and after rounding goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita she composed herself to slot into the empty net, sending the Emirates into raptures.

City, who had entered the weekend 11 points clear at the top, found themselves stifled by a disciplined Arsenal back line. The forward trident of Vivianne Miedema, Bunny Shaw and Kerolin — who plundered five goals against Chelsea seven days earlier — were afforded precious little space and rarely threatened Manuela Zinsberger’s goal.

The defeat cuts City’s advantage over second-placed Manchester United to eight points, while Arsenal remain 10 behind the leaders but with a match in hand. Should the Gunners win that rearranged fixture, the gap would narrow to seven with only seven rounds of fixtures remaining, injecting fresh tension into what had appeared a one-horse race.

For Andree Jeglertz’s side, the result represents a first significant wobble of the campaign, yet they still control their own destiny. Arsenal, meanwhile, strengthen their grip on the top three and will sense momentum shifting as the season enters its decisive phase.