Arsenal’s sluggish start to the Women’s Super League season continued on Sunday as they dropped points for the second week running, with Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker striking deep into stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw at the Emirates.
In front of 24,712 fans, the Gunners looked set to bounce back from last weekend’s stalemate with Manchester United when Frida Maanum put them ahead early. But despite dominating large spells of the match, Jonas Eidevall’s side once again failed to make their superiority count — and paid the price at the death.
A Gifted Lead
The opener came courtesy of a defensive lapse. Villa midfielder Missy Bo Kearns played a loose ball straight into the path of Mariona Caldentey, who quickly teed up Maanum. The Norwegian kept her cool to slot past former Arsenal goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo, punishing the mistake inside the opening 15 minutes.
Arsenal controlled possession, with Kim Little dictating play in midfield, but their dominance produced little cutting edge. Despite racking up 28 touches in the Villa box before half-time, they mustered just two shots on target.
Villa Grow Into the Game
Villa, who had taken only one point from their opening two games, offered little before the break but grew in confidence as the match wore on. Ebony Salmon went close with a curling effort just wide of the far post, while substitute Kirsty Hanson’s driving run carved open space that her teammates failed to exploit.
Arsenal made changes midway through the second half, bringing on Victoria Pelova and Caitlin Foord. The latter nearly doubled the lead moments after coming on but hesitated in front of goal, allowing Villa to recover. D’Angelo then kept her side in the contest with key stops to deny Katie McCabe and Pelova.
Lucy Parker Delivers the Sting
Just when Arsenal looked like grinding out a narrow win, Villa struck late. A Lynn Wilms free-kick in the 94th minute forced Daphne van Domselaar into a fingertip save. From the resulting corner, Lucy Parker reacted quickest to smash home the rebound and silence the Emirates.
It was a brutal blow for Arsenal, who had once again let their profligacy in front of goal undo their control. For Villa, it was a reward for a disciplined display and a reminder that they remain a tricky opponent for the league’s heavyweights.
