A chaotic second-half stoppage time completely changed the complexion of the Gunners' WSL meeting with Carla Ward's side
Holding a frenzied team huddle in just your third league game of the season is normally a sign that things aren't going as planned. And even after Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall took this drastic step in the aftermath of Aston Villa's first-half opener on Sunday, for a long time it seemed like his side's wait for a maiden WSL victory of the season would continue.
However, after Caitlin Foord had struck the post and Alessia Russo had missed a sitter, Katie McCabe started the fightback with a goal from an impossible angle in the 92nd minute. Then, Russo – the target of jeers all game upon her return to Manchester United last week – sent the Emirates into delirium.
Set up by the returning Beth Mead on the edge of the box, the England striker sprayed an effort towards the bottom corner. Daphne van Domselaar got a hand to it, but it wasn't enough to prevent the ball squirming over the line.
It's hard to overemphasise the magnitude of this result for Eidevall and his players. The 35,000 fans in attendance will be hoping that their side can use this as a platform to put their slow start behind them and properly establish themselves as potential title winners.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from a jubilant Emirates Stadium…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Manuela Zinsberger (6/10):
Very little to do other than pick the ball out of the net. Kept it simple with her passing.
Noelle Maritz (6/10):
A steady display. Crossing could have been better.
Lotte Wubben-Moy (7/10):
Defended really well for the most part and oozed composure on the ball.
Amanda Ilestedt (4/10):
Had to do better for Villa's opener. Moved it too slowly during Arsenal's build up at times too.
Steph Catley (6/10):
Did not do much wrong, though she was not tasked with much defensively.
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Kim Little (6/10):
Kept her side ticking over but forced it a little with some of her more progressive passes.
Lia Walti (6/10):
Released McCabe with a world-class pass before the break. Needed more moments of that quality, though. Did not always looks comfortable in possession.
Frida Mannum (5/10):
Not cute and clever enough in the No.10 role. Should have done better with an opening on the stroke of half time. Crossing not the best.
Getty ImagesAttack
Katie McCabe (8/10):
Her team's only real source of attacking inspiration. Unbelievable goal kick-started the fightback.
Alessia Russo (7/10):
Her hold-up and link-up play was absolutely brilliant, however, she just had to score in the second half from Foord's rebound. Luckily she made everyone forget that with an iconic goal.
Caitlin Foord (6/10):
Started really strongly and pressed relentlessly. So unlucky not to score in the second half, with her fierce effort striking the post.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Victoria Pelova (7/10):
Set up McCabe for her excellent equaliser.
Cloe Lacasse (6/10):
Tried to be direct and brave, which was exactly what her side needed.
Stina Blackstenius (6/10):
Added an option in behind. She stretch Villa after coming on.
Beth Mead (7/10):
Deafening cheers when she was introduced towards the end. And it only got louder when she assisted Russo's winner. What a story.
Jonas Eidevall (6/10):
Two of his subs grabbed assists before full time. However, Arsenal probably shouldn't have been in need of such heroics at the end. They need to start games better.