LIVERPOOL 1 ARSENAL 3
Arsenal have been crowned the inaugural WSL champions after beating Liverpool 3-1 at Skelmersdale.
The hosts attempted a valiant second-half comeback following a below-par display before the break.Rachel Yankey scored two impressive first-half goals to put the Gunners ahead, and it was those strikes, plus a second-half Kim Little penalty, that handed Arsenal the title.
After a disappointing opening period, Liverpool hit back when Nicola Twohig took advantage of a mix-up in the Arsenal defence, but it was to prove little more than a consolation.
With half an hour remaining Arsenal keeper Emma Byrne collided with captain Faye White, leaving the ball at Brusell’s feet for an easy tap-in.
Arsenal had been in almost complete control of the first-half, with midfielder Danielle Carter proving a handful for the home side’s defence, and as if dealing with the winger wasn’t hard enough, Yankey was an even greater threat.
The talented forward kept the backline on their toes, constantly switching between the wings. In the tenth minute Liverpool granted Yankey acres of space on the left, allowing her to cut inside and power a fierce left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Liverpool didn’t learnt their lesson in keeping an eye on Yankey, and they were punished again 11 minutes before half-time when she side-footed home a superb right-wing cross from Ellen White.
The Gunners looked threatening all over the pitch, although Liverpool did manage the odd attempt on goal.
On 25 minutes Ciara Grant struck a powerful shot over the bar for the hosts, but despite their consolation goal Liverpool had little answer to Arsenal’s threat and can have few complaints at finishing the game empty-handed.
And after they appeared to have got a foot-hold in the game their misery was complete when White was fouled in the box and Little smashed the penalty down the middle to seal victory and the title.
Liverpool: Chappell, V Jones, Twohig, Watson (C Jones, 71), Brusell (Harding, 86), Foster, K Jones, Lappin, Gibbons, Evans, Shepherd (Foster, 71), E Jones.
Subs not Used: Bailey, Charlton.
Arsenal: Byrne, Ludlow, Flaherty (Houghton, 56), F White, Grant, E White, Yankey, Carter (Nobbs, 76), Little, Chapman, Fahey.
