Manchester City Edge Arsenal 3-2 in Dramatic Women’s Super League Clash

Manchester City beat Arsenal women 3-2 in a thrilling WSL encounter, with Iman Beney scoring a late winner to seal a fifth straight victory.

Manchester City beat Arsenal Women 3-2 in a dramatic Women’s Super League clash, with Iman Beney’s late strike securing victory at the Joie Stadium on October 4, 2025. The thrilling contest featured lead changes, standout performances, and a dramatic finale that underlined the growing intensity of the WSL.

Arsenal started brightly, with Olivia Smith testing the City defense early on. But it was Khadija “Bunny” Shaw who opened the scoring in the 36th minute, heading home a precise cross from Kerstin Casparij. The strike was Shaw’s 95th goal for Manchester City, further cementing her reputation as one of the league’s most prolific forwards.

Arsenal Hit Back After the Break

The Gunners responded almost immediately after halftime. Just seconds into the second half, Mariona Caldentey equalized with a close-range finish after a slick move involving Smith and Emily Fox.

City regained the lead on the hour mark when Casparij bundled the ball over the line following a scrappy corner. Arsenal, however, refused to fold and kept pushing forward.

Late Drama: Kelly and Beney Seal the Show

In the 83rd minute, former City star Chloe Kelly came off the bench to haunt her old club, firing in a stunning long-range strike to make it 2-2. The goal looked to have salvaged a point for Arsenal.

But City weren’t finished. Just five minutes later, Iman Beney scored her first goal for the club, drilling a low shot past Daphne van Domselaar after being set up by Shaw. The 88th-minute strike sealed a 3-2 win and sent the home fans into jubilation.

The win extended Manchester City’s unbeaten run to five matches and lifted them to second in the Women’s Super League table. For Arsenal, the defeat was especially frustrating after twice battling back into the match, only to suffer a late setback.

This clash was a showcase of WSL competitiveness and quality, with both sides delivering tactical depth, individual brilliance, and relentless determination.

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