Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE: WSL score, stats & updates

Injured Liverpool made manager Taylor proud with another fighting display. Unlike the last time in the league against Chelsea, their efforts were not rewarded.

With skipper Grace Fisk and midfield pivot Sam Kerr the latest players ruled out due to knocks during the international break, Taylor could only name a five-man bench including 16-year-old Maizie Trueman.

Their woes were compounded when Smith scored the opener for Arsenal, a timely reminder of the star quality the Reds now lack.

She left Liverpool in a record deal in July, becoming the first £1million player in the women’s game, and her pace and impressive finishing lived up to that billing.

What the visitors lacked in numbers they more than made up for in on-field brawl, with 32 defensive clearances, six saves from Kirby and a superb finish from Olsson putting them on the cusp of another valuable point before hopes were dashed late on.

The result means Liverpool have lost five times by a single goal this season. Such results are difficult to accept, but Arsenal’s closure should be a source of optimism given their numerous absences.

A second consecutive strong performance against a top four team is a further sign of what Liverpool could still achieve under Taylor this season.

The first thing they hope to do is get their injuries under control, while in January there may be a chance to get stronger. Investing some of Smith’s transfer fee could do wonders for strengthening a squad that looks increasingly thin and tired heading into the winter break.