Saturday’s game at the Emirates was a familiar tale for head coach Renee Slegers and her side as they struggled to see off relegation candidates Liverpool.
While it should be taken into account that Liverpool held champions Chelsea to a 1-1 draw last time out, the Gunners enjoyed the lion’s share of possession (60%) and shots (19 to 3) in this game, yet they had to rely on two standout individual moments to secure victory.
The first came from Smith, who was maybe destined to mark her first appearance against her old team with a meaningful contribution. Although the Canadian did not celebrate her opener, relief on her face and around the Emirates was palpable when the ball arrowed in for her second league goal of the campaign.
Chance after chance went begging as Sleger’s side failed to make the game safe when in the ascendancy, before they were pegged back by Olsson’s neat leveller before half-time.
Yet again Slegers was made to use her ‘get out of jail free’ card in Blackstenius.
The hero of the Champions League final in May came off the bench to score her fifth goal of the season to rescue victory and keep Arsenal’s slim title hopes alive.
Blackstenius could even have had two or three goals, but for some superb last-ditch Liverpool interceptions and an incorrect offside flag in stoppage time.
Arsenal made sure there was no way back for Liverpool for a second time, but Slegers, having had to rely on a late flash of inspiration, will have growing concerns about her team’s continuing struggles to put games to bed. Next time they might not be so lucky.