Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala marked an encouraging debut for Arsenal Ladies with a goal when she doubled the hosts’ advantage one minute into the second half in their 3-1 against newly-promoted Reading.
Oshoala was handed her first start while Emma Mitchell, Vicky Losada and Marta Corredera were all included at Meadow Park, as Arsenal Ladies started their Women’s Super League campaign with victory against the visitors.
The first half finished on a good note, courtesy of Dominique Janssen’s fine strike, although the Gunners shouldhave led by more.Jade Boho-Sayo, who used to play for Pedro Martinez Losa reduced the deficit with a near–post header, and Reading went in search of an equalizer. But Arsenal’s defence held firm and were rewarded for their efforts 20 minutes from the end thanks to Dan Carter’s powerful header.
Losa made four changes to his side following the penalty shoot-out victory against Birmingham City in the FA Women’s Cup. Elsewhere, Reading had three former Gunners among their ranks in Lois Rowe, Laura May-Walkley and Lauren Bruton, while Losa faced his former player Boho-Sayo, having coached her at Rayo Vallecano Feminio.
Oshoala was determined to mark her debut with a goal, and she was rewarded for her efforts when she rounded Grace Maloney and poked home. The visitors gave an instant response thanks to Boho-Sayo’s header at the near post, following a flowing move. Despite a late surge from Reading in their search of an equalizer, Carter wrapped up the win when she nodded past Moloney amid confusion in the box.
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