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It felt like a party in Manchester – the sun was shining, a ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition took place before kick-off and City’s players arrived in smart, white suits and posed for photos.
It was to cap off another strong campaign at home for City and to say farewell to Houghton but you couldn’t help feel it was in anticipation of potentially celebrating the title.
Hemp’s powerful strike settled the nerves and it all seemed to be going right for City before anxiety kicked in.
As Arsenal’s pressure grew, City fans in the stands became nervous and that seemed to translate to those on the pitch.
Chances had come and gone for Manchester City duo Chloe Kelly and Leila Ouahabi and Arsenal were testing goalkeeper Keating more as the match wore on.
Manager Jonas Eidevall made several changes with the introduction of midfielder Kim Little having an impact but it was Blackstenius who provided the stardust.
Arsenal were in the title race themselves until recently so City knew this would not be a foregone conclusion but the visitors did not show up until the second half.
They were far too passive and could not break through City’s press until Eidevall’s changes had an impact and Arsenal’s creativity grew.
They move up to second in the table, a point above Chelsea, but know they are likely to fall down the pecking order with Emma Hayes’ side still with games in hand to play.
But this result will come as a huge positive for Arsenal, who have upset City on both occasions in the league this season and will hope to be the ones with their hands on the trophy in 2025.
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