Arsenal kept their Women's Super League title hopes alive after coming back from a goal behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 courtesey of a Katie McCabe wonder strike in the second-half. Prior to kick-off, McCabe suprised everyone after being included in the squad just a few days after picking up what looked to be a serious injury.
KATIE MCCABE 💚 pic.twitter.com/n08NZs6c5i
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 2, 2023
The Gunners trailed to an early goal from Khadija Shaw, who headed in Chloe Kelly's cross in the fifth minute, but turned the game around in the second half with goals from Frida Maanum and McCabe. Maanum equalised in the 62nd minute with a low shot after a scramble in the box, before McCabe produced the moment of the match 12 minutes later.
The Irish skipper, who had been booked for a clash with Kelly in the first half, received a short corner from Kim Little and cut inside from the left before unleashing a ferocious shot into the top corner, leaving City keeper Ellie Roebuck with no chance.
Never ever change, Katie McCabe pic.twitter.com/VHBKmwhV4n
— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) April 2, 2023
It was a remarkable turnaround for Katie McCabe. Just four days earlier, she had limped out of Arsenal’s stunning Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, her foot in a boot and her hopes of playing again in the near future seemingly dashed. But on Sunday, she defied the odds to fire home a late winner against Manchester City that kept Arsenal’s title challenge alive.
How did Katie McCabe went from this 4 days ago to scoring that absolute screamer pic.twitter.com/5A2J8YrJd2
— Santi™ (@PeakSanti) April 2, 2023
How did she do it?
The answer may lie in her WHOOP data, which revealed how she prioritised her recovery in the days leading up to the game. After the Bayern Munich match, WHOOP Ambasador Katie McCabe's recovery score was a lowly 53%, indicating a high level of strain and fatigue. But by prioritising rest, recovery and sleep, she managed to get back into the optimal green zone for performance for three consecutive days before registering a recovery score of 74% on Sunday morning.
McCabe has scored two goals and recorded three assists in the Women's Super League this season. Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall praised McCabe's contribution and hailed her as one of the best players in the world.
"Katie is fantastic. She has so much quality and energy. She can play in different positions and she always gives everything for the team. She scored a fantastic goal today and I'm very happy for her," he said. "She is definitely one of the best players in the world right now. She has improved a lot since I came here and she still has more potential to reach. This period here is the best we've seen Katie McCabe since I've been coach here. She has been a tremendous player during these months."
The win lifted Arsenal to second place in the WSL table, level on points with City but ahead on goal difference. They are three points behind leaders Manchester United, who beat Brighton 4-0 on Saturday. Arsenal have four games left to play, while City and United have three each. Chelsea, who are fourth but have two games in hand over United and one over Arsenal, can move into second place with a win over Aston Villa later on Sunday. The title race is set to go down to the wire, with Arsenal still having to face Chelsea and Manchester United in their remaining fixtures.
Eidevall said he was proud of his team's performance and belief against City, who had not lost in the league since September.
"We knew it was a very important game for us. We had to win to stay in the race. We didn't start well and we conceded an early goal, but we showed great character and quality to come back," he said. "We played much better in the second half and we scored two fantastic goals. We defended well as a team and we didn't give them many chances. It was a very good win for us."
Big 3 points !! See you after the international break gooners❤️ pic.twitter.com/aPtXPoiAXG
— Katie McCabe (@Katie_McCabe11) April 2, 2023
