MAN CITY WOMEN 2, ARSENAL WOMEN 1
Fittingly Nick Cushing’s highly successful six-and-a-half years as Manchester City Women’s manager came to an end with a huge victory.
City overcame Arsenal in a Titanic clash of the top two in the FA Women’s Super League at the Academy Stadium
And it was especially sweet as it came only four days after City lost at Arsenal in the semi-finals of the Continental Cup.
Cushing, who leaves to become assistant coach at City’s sister club New York City in Major League Soccer, leaves the team top of the table and in rude health.
He reflected: “It has been an incredible six years. I have had the best time of my life and some of the best moments.
“2014 was special as it was our first year as it would always be that way. We won a trophy and that became a catalyst to winning and being addicted to winning trophies.”
Cushing, who won six trophies, added 2016 was extra special as City were undefeated in the league and only conceded four goals all season, three of which were penalties.
Of the win against Arsenal, Cushing described it as an important one in the battle for the title.
“We can definitely go on and win the title, but it will be a difficult task to win the league,” he said.
Cushing added he was “incredibly proud” to be part of the City story and the “massive development” of the women’s game saying the club has built the foundations for a successful future.
Goals either side of half time from German international Pauline Bremer and Lauren Hemp put City in command.
Arsenal showed why they are the reigning champions as they produced a spirited fightback in which Danielle van de Donk scored to set up an anxious and sometimes feisty last half hour.
City took the lead in the final minute of an uneventful opening period.
There was a massive goalmouth scramble from Caroline Weir’s free kick and Bremer poked home her 19th goal of the season from a couple of yards.
They doubled their advantage early in the second half when Hemp’s header from Keira Walsh’s cross looped in off the underside of the crossbar.
Arsenal halved the deficit just short of the hour when Beth Mead was denied by a super save by Ellie Roebuck who could only push out the ball to van de Donk who forced it home from a couple of yards.
City managed the remainder of the game, which became feisty in the latter staged without too much difficulty, though they survived a couple of anxious moments when there were goalmouth scrambles.