Arsenal 1-0 Man City (Feb 8, 2026) Game Analysis

On Feb 8, 2026

Olivia Smith’s superb solo effort in the 17th minute proved enough to help Arsenal overcome Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City.

City arrived in the capital on a 13-game winning streak in the division, but a brilliant finish from Smith early on put Andree Jeglertz’s side on the wrong foot.

While WSL top scorer Khadija Shaw was well organized throughout the match, Renee Slegers saw Arsenal hold on for a vital 1-0 victory, boosting their Champions League qualification hopes.

Barely a minute had passed when Vivianne Miedema fired home from close range against her former club, but Arsenal quickly settled in front of 39,155 spectators.

Shortly after a dangerous cross from Caitlin Foord failed to bring reward, the hosts took the lead in wonderful fashion through Smith.

Mariona Caldentey played the ball over the City defense and Smith ran away before rounding Ayaka Yamashita to score her club’s seventh goal in the 19th minute.

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Arsenal have got the better of runaway WSL leaders in the Emirates.

Shaw tested Daphne van Domselaar before half-time, but City boss Jeglertz had seen enough and introduced Sam Coffey.

City were left furious early in the second half when Lauren Hemp went down after contact with Arsenal defender Emily Fox near the penalty area.

Referee Abigail Byrne dismissed appeals before Miedema had the ball in the net, but the leveler was sent off for a foul on Katie McCabe.

Although City struggled to extend their unbeaten run to 18 matches, the best they could manage was an off-target header from Shaw as they lost for only the second time in the WSL this season.