Welcome to Full Time, The Athletic’s women’s football column — a one-stop shop every Monday to discuss the big issues in the game in the UK and Europe.
The main story
Arsenal were teetering on the brink as Sunday’s game against Aston Villa edged into stoppage time. Jonas Eidevall’s side, trailing to Maz Pacheco’s first-half goal, were facing the grim reality that they might fail to win any of their first three Women’s Super League matches of the season.
Cue the most improbable and frantic of comebacks to sweep the visitors away and spark a faltering campaign.
Villa had defended solidly after establishing their lead through the unmarked Pacheco’s goal from a corner, with Carla Ward having switched to a back five to mimic — justifiably — how Liverpool defended against Arsenal in their 1-0 win at the Emirates stadium two weeks ago. It was an effective decision as Lucy Parker and Lucy Staniforth limited the impact of Lia Walti and Kim Little.
Anxiety levels were rising in the stands — more than 35,000 were in the ground, with the vast majority desperate to see the hosts finally break their duck for the season. Yet, despite Eidevall making substitutions from the midway point of the second half, not much changed.
The pressure on Arsenal has only increased…
