Vivianne Miedema marked her return to Emirates Stadium with a goal as Manchester City drew 2-2 with her former club Arsenal in their Women’s Super League opener.
A spectacular long-range effort from England international Jess Park appeared to secure victory for City before Arsenal substitute Beth Mead volleyed in a late equalizer to salvage a point for the home side.
Miedema, who left Arsenal in the summer after her contract expired, saw her goal deflected off Arsenal defender Laia Codina, and chose not to celebrate out of respect for her former club.
“I’m not really a big celebration person anyway,” Miedema told Sky Sports. “You saw a bit of emotion, but that’s normal. I wanted to be respectful to the [Arsenal] fans who supported me for seven years.”
Frida Maanum gave Arsenal the perfect start with a powerful strike past City’s new goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita, but the Gunners missed several chances to extend their lead. City’s Khadija Shaw and Miedema both forced Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger into key saves in a thrilling encounter between two title contenders.
Arsenal’s Strong Performance vs. City’s Solid Start
Manchester City, buoyed by their 5-0 victory over Paris FC earlier in the week, started brightly, pressing Arsenal’s backline and creating opportunities for Lauren Hemp.
Despite City’s early pressure, Arsenal dominated much of the game, with Maanum’s goal and chances for Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo. City grew into the game and Park’s stunning goal seemed to have secured all three points, but Mead’s late equalizer ensured Arsenal shared the spoils.
The match showcased both teams’ title credentials, as Arsenal avoided back-to-back defeats after their Women’s Champions League qualifying loss to BK Hacken, while City started their season on a solid footing.
