Maanum strike gives Arsenal victory at Leicester

Frida Maanum’s second-half strike against Leicester City gave Arsenal their first win of the Women’s Super League season.

Maanum found the net from close range when Alessia Russo crossed after pouncing on Catherine Bott’s poor backpass.

Arsenal had dominated possession in the first half without scoring but made amends 10 minutes after the break.

The goal was a while in coming, but it was not as if Arsenal failed to create chances in the early exchanges.

Beth Mead’s cross to the far post reached Russo but her low effort brushed against the side-netting as the Gunners started well.

Russo slid a ball into Lia Walti in the box and her strike towards the top corner was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Lize Kop who pushed it over the bar.

For Leicester’s best chance of the first half, Ruby Mace’s diagonal ball was well controlled by Jutta Rantala who cut inside on her left foot and smashed a strike against the bar.

The breakthrough eventually arrived as Maanum’s goal settled Arsenal, who drew 2-2 with Manchester City on the opening weekend.

Leicester could not capitalise on chances to equalise late on, with Yuka Momiki’s long-range effort just sailing wide of the post.

Substitute Shana Chossenotte played a low cross into the box and Janice Cayman’s sweeping shot was pushed behind by Daphne van Domselaar, who was making her first start in goal for the Gunners.

Chossenotte ran clear on goal minutes later but Van Domselaar saved well with her legs to deny the French winger as Leicester’s tough run of results against Arsenal continued.

The Foxes have now lost all seven of their WSL games against Jonas Eidevall’s side by an aggregate score of 24-2.

This result came a day on from Arsenal’s men needing two stoppage-time goals to beat Leicester in the Premier League at Emirates Stadium.