Player ratings: Reading Women v Arsenal Women

0-1 (Blackstenius)

October 16, 2022

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Barclays Women’s Super League 

Manu Zinsberger 8/10

Was fully deserving of an 8th consecutive WSL clean sheet, a league record. Made some important stops in the second half, most significantly denying Rowley with an excellent stop by her left foot!

Laura Wienroither 5.5/10

Missed a golden opportunity to put the Gunners in front when Foord dinked the ball to her at the back post, putting the ball just wide.

Lotte Wubben-Moy 6.5/10

Should enjoy a run of games in Arsenal’s defence during the current injury situation, and looked solid and assured alongside Catley. Tougher tests are to come however.

Steph Catley 7/10

Filled in at centre-back alongside Wubben-Moy in the absence of first choice defensive pairing Williamson and Rafaelle. Distributed the ball well.

Katie McCabe 6.5/10

Helped the Republic of Ireland qualify for next year’s World Cup for the first time in their history in midweek with a win over Jen Beattie’s Scotland. Worked tirelessly at left-back this evening, always looking to get on the attack- delivered a great cross that was turned onto the post by a Reading defender

Kim Little (C) 6/10

At times took too long to find the killer pass but was always in the right areas. Her penalty on the hour mark was saved fairly routinely by Burns, not far enough into the corner with the goalkeeper diving the right way.

Lia Walti 6.5/10

Controlled the midfield well but was taken off midway through the second half, surely with Wednesday’s Champions League game in mind.

Vivienne Miedema 5.5/10

Couldn’t quite divert the ball home to make it 2-0 early in the second half, and was visibly frustrated when substituted by Jonas Eidevall- not her night.

Beth Mead 6.5/10

Created chances but to no avail, always finding space for herself and driving at the defence. Will be key against Lyon on Wednesday.

Stina Blackstenius 6.5/10

Had an excellent chance saved inside just 30 seconds, but her goal after 30 minutes was a far more difficult strike, finding the bottom corner after turning away from the defender on the edge of the box.

Caitlin Foord 6/10

Enjoyed a productive international break with Australia and proved a constant threat to Reading’s back 3 running in behind, really stretching their defence. Could be criticised for her decision making at times tonight.

Jordan Nobbs (Sub, 66’) 5.5/10

Still waiting for a start in red and white after her injury at the end of last season, a player who needs regular football to really be effective.

Lina Hurtig (Sub, 66’) 5/10 

Replaced Foord and couldn’t really get into the game.

Maanum (Sub, 67’) 7/10

Essentially kept Arsenal 1-0 up with a brilliant header on the line to deny Reading late on- a good player to bring on when trying to hold on to 3 points.

Jen Beattie (Sub, 83)

Subs not used: Kaylan Marckese, Noelle Maritz, Katie Reid, Mana Iwabuchi, Michelle Agyemang