Referee blunder can’t stop Arsenal women beating Manchester City in thriller | OneFootball

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Arsenal secured a thrilling 3-4 win over Manchester City, but a shocking refereeing decision nearly changed everything.

Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Arsenal Women secured a dramatic victory over Manchester City, but not without controversy, as a shocking refereeing decision nearly stole some points.

Mariona Caldentey and Lotte Wubben-Moy had fired Arsenal into a commanding early lead, with the Gunners dominating the opening exchanges and Stina Blackstenius missing a golden chance to extend the advantage further before 10 minutes were even on the clock.

However, Mary Fowler pulled one back for City after 20 minutes, exposing Arsenal’s frailties on the right-hand side.

In the second half, Arsenal regained control but were pegged back when Vivianne Miedema capitalised on a poor pass to level the score at 2-2.

The response from Frida Maanum was immediate, racing through to restore Arsenal’s lead with a composed finish after an incisive pass from Caldentey.

Then came the moment of controversy.

Referee Cheryl Foster awarded a penalty to City for a foul that clearly occurred outside the box, with the assistant referee failing to intervene despite being just yards away on the same side.

The foul happens on the next step and you can see how far away from the line of the box they are

Fowler converted from the spot, making it 3-3 and leaving Arsenal players furious at the decision.

With tensions high, Blackstenius finally found the back of the net in the 79th minute, latching onto a pinpoint Beth Mead cross—Mead’s 47th WSL assist—to put Arsenal back in front.

Renee Slegers’ introduction of Lia Wälti for Kyra Cooney-Cross after almost 70 minutes had given Arsenal more stability and allowed them to exploit the space behind City’s high defensive line in the later moments of the match, the offside flag foiling the Gunners far more than the City defence.

The result takes Arsenal into second place, two points clear of City and above United, who have a game in hand, on goal difference.