Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool: Player ratings as Gunners shocked on opening day of WSL season
FROM EMIRATES STADIUM — Liverpool handed Arsenal a shock opening opening-day defeat in the WSL on Sunday.
In front of a new WSL record attendance of 54,115, Arsenal struggled to break down Liverpool's strong defence. Former Gunner Miri Taylor's second-half goal was enough to separate the sides at the Emirates Stadium as the Reds continued their streak of opening-day wins.
It was one-way traffic early on as Arsenal consistently put pressure on Liverpool's low block defence.
Rachel Laws pulled out an impressive stop to deny Caitlin Foord an early opener. Regaining some possession, Liverpool troubled Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger that led to a scramble in the box. Fortunately for the home side, the Reds were unable to make anything come from it.
Frida Maanum had her sights on goal but Laws, once again, pulled off an impressive stop to deny the Norwegian.
Quietening the crowd, Liverpool succeeded in keeping Arsenal's major threats at bay. Yet, as half-time inched closer, Arsenal's attacking talent were struggling, losing pace in the final third and failing to connect in front of goal.
With Liverpool starting the second half sprightly, Missy-Bo Kearns laid the ball off to an unmarked Taylor, who netted home as Arsenal's defence seemed to disappear.
As Arsenal looked for a way back into the game, their substitutes injected new pace, with Lina Hurtig and Victoria Pelova making an immediate impact. Yet it was in vain as Arsenal faced defeat.
To give Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall the benefit of the doubt, his defence was still hampered by having to manage players' minutes returning from the World Cup. But their issues in attack were inexcusable.
The Gunners now face a tough second fixture travelling to Manchester United on Friday,
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