Arsenal held to frustrating draw by London City Lionesses

Arsenal held to frustrating draw by London City Lionesses Arsenal’s home struggles continued as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by London City Lionesses this afternoon. Frida Maanum fired The Gunners into an early lead, but they were quickly pegged back by an Isobel Goodwin goal in-front of 32,588 fans at the Emirates Stadium.  Both sides shared the possession early on, but it was the hosts who had the better of the chances. Emily Fox and Ona Batlle had attempts on goal, but neither troubled Mary Earps.  Arsenal took the lead in the 10th minute when Maanum hit a right-footed shot past Earps into the bottom left corner. She has now scored in back-to-back games for The Gunners.  London City Lionesses equalised a little over a minute later. Mapi León assisted Goodwin whose central shot landed in the top corner of the Arsenal net.  Arsenal looked to create attacking pressure and regain their advantage. Lisa Baum’s shot was saved by Earps before a Maanum effort was blocked by María Pérez.  The visitors responded and Alexia Putellas’ long-range shot was tipped over the bar by Misa Rodríguez. Earps then saved Baum’s shot from outside the box at the other end.  After the break, Misa was forced into a close-range save when Poppy Pattinson’s cross found Goodwin before the flag went up for offside. London City Lionesses again came close to their second goal when substitute Delphine Cascarino’s shot hit the bar.  Arsenal’s closest chance of the second half came from Maanum’s shot that was deflected up by Earps, after León cleared the first attempt on goal by Baum.  In the closing minutes, both sides continued to search for a winner. London City Lionesses went closest, but shots from Freya Godfrey and Putellas were unsuccessful. Both sides return to action in midweek. London City Lionesses are at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Subway Players Cup on Wednesday while Arsenal host OL Lyonnes in the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Thursday.