Yesterday Arsenal kept the pressure on the title race, by securing a 1-0 win over Leicester thanks to a Frida Maanum beauty of a goal.
Leicester came into the match in flying form. And, despite the fact that they where sitting rock bottom before Christmas having picked up no points, but now sit 10th , having now picked up 13 points, equal with the number of points of Brighton , but having won a game more and with a better goal difference , on -27 over Brighton's -32.
And, having now picked up a 4-0 win against Liverpool last week the foxes could go in with a slight confidence, especially knowing that their opposition was so short in numbers.
The gunners dominated possession throughout the match, although perhaps the figure of their 53% possession does not show so.
Arsenal where awarded a penalty in just the 6th minute of the match. But, young goalkeeper Janina Leitzig -on loan to the foxes from German side Bayern Munich- stepped up to the challenge, going the right way as a result saving the potential goal.
Despite a host of chances for Arsenal in the first half none turned out to be goal bound.
Half Time - 0-0
Arsenal came out the more prominent side in the second half, pressing more into the Leicester side.
Although, that's not to say that Leicester did not threat to score in both halves of the match, they only had 2 less shots on target then Arsenal (with 5 rather than 7 shots on target).
It took a wonder goal from Frida Maanum to make the difference in the game. The Norweigan's goal in the 64th minute would be the only goal of the match. Assisted by Arsenal's newest signing , Katie Taylor who was a substitute to come on during the match.
Maanum would go on to nearly have another wonder goal, from a free kick that closely hit the cross bar.
Final score - Arsenal 1 -0 Leicester City
Arsenal will now be aided by Manchester City's 2-1 loss to Liverpool (blog will be coming soon!) to help them to get in the top 3 , and so a champions league place. Incase you needed a reminder, the gunners where knocked out in a late added time goal in the Champions Leagues semi final by Wolfsburg.
It was important the gunners to win the match, and with City's slip up against Liverpool now puts the top 3 spaces in Arsenals hands, seeing as they have 2 games in hand over city -due to their champions league action.
Arsenal play midweek against Brighton , who are currently in good form under new management and have almost definite escaped the drop to the Championship.
The top 2 sides of the league ,Man Utd and Chelsea, will play each other next weekend in the FA cup final at Wembley.
Manchester United sit 1st , although have 2 games in hand over Chelsea- who sit behind them by 2 points.
To see all the midweek fixtures checkout our 'upcoming fixtures' page. Upcoming Matches | Off The Ball Blog (loopyloo22088.wixsite.com) .
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Until next time ,Lucy.
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