Women’s Super League London: Arsenal 1-1 London City Lionesses

Earps keeps London City level

Arsenal had the better chances, but London City had more possession. Goalkeeper Mary Earps made a string of saves to hold the score.

Twice she denied Maanum a second goal. The first was a point-blank stop, the second a tip over a chipped effort that hit the bar. At the other end, Delphine Cascarino nearly put London City ahead with a long-range shot that struck the crossbar.

Earps started the season as number two after a minor injury before the campaign. She has now cemented her place as first choice.

Table pressure on Arsenal

Arsenal sit six points behind London City, who hold the final Champions League spot. They are also three points behind Tottenham Hotspur and four behind Manchester United, who are unbeaten in eight games. Those three clubs have no Champions League football this season.

Arsenal have yet to host Chelsea or Manchester City at home. They face Lyon in the Champions League on Thursday night, then West Ham United visit the Emirates next week.

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers insisted the ground has not lost its edge. "I don't think we've lost that," she said. "We love playing at the Emirates. We had the biggest crowd so far in the season."

She called the lack of wins "very frustrating" for the team, the club and the fans. "The season isn't over," Slegers said. "It's still November and we have to look at what it looks like in May."

Maestre was pleased with the approach. "Our identity is playing with bravery," he said. "We weren't scared about the contest, the opponent, the stadium, nothing. We tried to play as if we were the home [team]."

Arsenal drew with European champions Barcelona in midweek, a result that had suggested they might be recovering.