Arsenal delivered a stunning blow to Manchester City's Women's Super League title ambitions, defeating the league leaders 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on February 8, 2026. Olivia Smith's first-half goal proved to be the difference, ending City's impressive 13-game winning streak. The victory also extended Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers' unbeaten home record.

The Gunners' game plan focused on control and defensive solidity, a departure from the typically high-scoring encounters between these two sides. Arsenal's midfield, led by Mariona Caldentey and Kim Little, effectively stifled Manchester City's attacking threats.

Smith, a summer signing for a record £1 million, was given the starting striker role in the absence of Stina Blackstenius. The 21-year-old Canadian forward seized the opportunity, delivering a composed finish in the 17th minute after a through ball from Caldentey. Smith rounded City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita before slotting the ball home. It was Smith's second goal in all competition so far in the new year, after scoring in Arsenal's 3-2 victory over Corinthians to win the FIFA Women's Champions Cup.

Despite the defeat, Manchester City remains at the top of the WSL table with a comfortable eight-point lead over Manchester United, with seven games remaining. However, Arsenal's victory keeps them in the hunt for a European qualification spot, now sitting just two points behind United with a game in hand.

"It's been open and a lot of goals and rock and roll in all the games that I've been a part of so far. But I think we did so well controlling all the different moments in the game. So there was less goals today- I'm really happy with the one and I'm really happy with the clean sheet," said Slegers after the match.

Arsenal's disciplined performance limited Manchester City to only one shot on target throughout the entire match. The Gunners' defense, considered the best in the league, proved difficult to break down.

Manchester City manager Andrée Jeglertz acknowledged his team's lackluster performance, stating that they "didn't really get going". He expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back from the defeat. City's next match is a WSL fixture against Leicester on February 13.

Arsenal, currently ranked fourth in the WSL, will look to build on this momentum as they push for a top-three finish. Their next challenge will be against Brighton & Hove Albion on February 16.

The match was played in front of a strong crowd of 39,155 at the Emirates Stadium, highlighting the growing popularity of the Women's Super League.