Arsenal recorded their seventh straight win in all competitions with a hard-fought victory over Championship side Southampton FC in the Continental Tyres League Cup. The game had been highly anticipated by the host club since the draw was first made, and they attracted a record crowd of 13,438 for a Women’s game at St Mary’s Stadium.
After a goalless first half, it was Southampton who took the lead on 55 minutes through a glorious strike from Molly Pike. This stung the Arsenal team into action, and they were back level within a few minutes when Frida Maanum smashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range. Then, just when it looked like the game might go to penalties, Amanda Ilestedt rose above the crowd at a corner to head home an injury-time winner and maintain Arsenal’s run.
We were fortunate to have photographer Ian Middlebrook on hand to capture the action.
