Arsenal Women had Katie McCabe to thank as they got over the line against Bristol City. McCabe’s two powerful goals either side of Rachel Furness’ header helped the Gunners to their second win in four WSL games, against the newly promoted Robins.

Full time: Bristol City 1-2 ArsenalTwo more Katie McCabe thunderbolts either side of Rachel Furness’ header help Arsenal over the line against their newly promoted opposition. The Gunners get the job done, but again they made it hard for themselves ???

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) October 22, 2023

Player ratings:

Manu Zinsberger 5.5/10

Rooted to the spot as Furness’ header found the net via the inside of the far post. Not called upon to make a save otherwise.

Lotte Wubben-Moy 6/10

Booked in the first half for a trip on Carrie Jones who was rushing towards goal. Improved in the second half.

Steph Catley 6.5/10

Enjoying a strong start to the season. Little defending to do in a dominant night for Arsenal, but filled in at centre back when Codina was replaced.

Kim Little 6/10

Played slightly higher in Arsenal’s midfield three. Too many misplaced passes for her standards in the first half, much better in the second.

Lia Walti 8/10

A well rounded performance that contributed significantly to Arsenal’s victory, tackling well in the middle of the park and picking her passes.

Katie McCabe 8/10

Only scores bangers, and netted yet another one to open the scoring. Somehow didn’t put Arsenal in front when her close range effort was heroically blocked by Connolly, but was able to do so moments later when she chested the ball down and volleyed it through the hands of Clark.

Noelle Maritz 7/10

Should have done more to stop Napier’s cross for Furness’ equaliser, but defended well after that.

Caitlin Foord 6.5/10

Hit the post early on after a brilliant run from the left touchline into the box, almost squeezing the ball between Olivia Clark and the woodwork. Her 100th appearance for Arsenal.

Victoria Pelova 5.5 /10

Read the game well- some important defensive involvements. Couldn’t take her chance after replacing Frida Maanum in the starting lineup, and was withdrawn for the Norwegian in the second half.

Alessia Russo 6/10

Keeps things simple when things aren’t going her side’s way, something I noticed often in the World Cup. Didn’t have many chances once again but never stopped running.

Laia Codina 5/10

Partnered Wubben-Moy in the centre of defence, with a few shaky moments between the two of them. Did not get close enough to Furness as she headed home City’s equaliser.

Beth Mead (Sub, 67’) 6/10

Headed just wide from a McCabe cross minutes after coming on and tested Clark with a low effort.

Frida Maanum (Sub, 67’) 6/10

Linked Arsenal’s attacks together nicely.

Vivianne Miedema (Sub, 90+6)

The all time Women’s Super League leading goalscorer returned to the pitch for the first time since rupturing her ACL in December 2022.

Subs not used: Sabrina D’Angelo, Jen Beattie, Kathrine Kuhl, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Cloe Lacasse, Stina Blackstenius.

That pass from @VivianneMiedema with her first touch! ?

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) October 22, 2023