Manchester City Come From Behind Twice to Beat Arsenal 4-2 in WSL Thriller

Posted : 05 October 2026

Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Women's Super League season with a thrilling 4-2 comeback win over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The defending champions have now won all five league matches and sit top of the table with 15 points.

Arsenal took the lead in the 43rd minute through Lisa Baum. The forward reacted quickly inside the box to put the visitors ahead after City had enjoyed more of the early pressure.

City responded almost immediately through Lauren Hemp. The England international struck in first-half stoppage time to level the score at 1-1. Her effort took a deflection off Emily Fox before finding the net.

Arsenal regained the advantage four minutes after the restart. Alessia Russo collected Yui Hasegawa's misplaced pass inside the area before firing into the far corner to make it 2-1.

City then produced a strong response. Substitute Kerstin Casparij scored with her first touch after coming on, curling a superb effort into the top corner in the 63rd minute.

Hemp completed her brace nine minutes later to put Manchester City in front for the first time. She finished a move involving Hasegawa and gave City a 3-2 advantage with 18 minutes remaining.

Khadija Shaw then sealed the victory in the 84th minute. The Jamaican striker's effort from the edge of the box took a slight deflection before beating Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe.

Hemp was named player of the match after her influential display. Casparij also made a major impact from the bench, while Shaw added another important goal to her season tally.

The result is another major setback for Arsenal manager Renée Slegers. The Gunners have now lost twice in the league and remain on five points from five matches, leaving them 10 points behind City. Arsenal have also won only once in the WSL this season.

Slegers had entered the match under increasing scrutiny after Arsenal's difficult start and their midweek Champions League draw with Paris FC. She insisted after the defeat that her players should continue believing in themselves as the team prepares for the international break.

Manchester City, meanwhile, showed why they remain the team to beat in the WSL. Andrée Jeglertz's side twice recovered from setbacks before producing three second-half goals to preserve their 100% record and stay ahead of Chelsea at the top.

Manchester City Come From Behind Twice to Beat Arsenal 4-2 in WSL Thriller

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics