The Ireland star netted twice as Jonas Eidevall's side struggled against their newly-promoted opponents on Sunday evening
Not many gave Bristol City a chance as Arsenal came to town on Sunday night and within seven minutes Katie McCabe showed why some believed the encounter was a mismatch, with a world-class strike from range flying into the top corner and setting the Gunners on their way to what would be a 2-1 win over their newly-promoted hosts.
Jonas Eidevall's side have endured a tough start to the campaign, with elimination in the qualifying rounds of the Women's Champions League followed up by defeat to Liverpool on the opening weekend of the new Women's Super League season. But back-to-back wins, with their victory in Bristol coming after a dramatic triumph over Aston Villa, has got them back on track.
It was far from smooth sailing for Arsenal on Sunday, as the Robins drew level less than 10 minutes after going behind thanks to a wonderful header from Rachel Furness, but McCabe would eventually put the Gunners ahead again just before the hour and they looked more comfortable from there on – eventually securing all three points without really getting out of second gear.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Ashton Gate…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Manuela Zinsberger (6/10):
Barely had a thing to do except pick the ball out of her net.
Noelle Maritz (6/10):
Struggled to get involved on the attack in the first half despite getting forward. Improved in the second, with a nice touch to set up Mead for a great chance a particular highlight.
Lotte Wubben-Moy (5/10):
Looked shaky in some moments, including when booked for bringing down Thestrup on the counter in the first half.
Laia Codina (5/10):
Looked confident in possession but allowed Furness a free run at a cross for Bristol's equaliser.
Steph Catley (7/10):
Set pieces caused Bristol some problems, including the corner that led to Arsenal's second goal. Defended well, too.
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Kim Little (6/10):
Was busy off the ball to create options for her team-mates and moved the ball well but couldn't carve out many magical moments against a stubborn defence.
Lia Walti (6/10):
Some classy touches in and around the final third. Wasn't at her sharpest all round, though.
Victoria Pelova (6/10):
Battled hard, winning her fair share of tackles and headers, while also looking to get Arsenal on the front foot whenever she could.
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Katie McCabe (8/10):
Broke the deadlock with an incredible strike and then put Arsenal back into the lead with a great finish just before the hour.
Alessia Russo (7/10):
Some nice touches allowed her to link-up well with team-mates and create a couple of chances.
Caitlin Foord (7/10):
Hit the post in the opening minutes after a great run. Was direct and positive, constantly looking to make things happen with her tricky footwork.
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Beth Mead (6/10):
Came on with just less than 25 minutes to go and almost scored immediately when she headed a McCabe cross wide. Got into good positions in the final third.
Frida Maanum (6/10):
Introduced at the same time as Mead, she was positive in possession and linked up well with others.
Vivianne Miedema (N/A):
Made her long-awaited return from an ACL injury in the closing minutes.
Jonas Eidevall (5/10):
It was a familiar story for Eidevall's team on Sunday, as they once again lacked the cutting edge to break down a resolute defence. Arsenal continue to look shaky in the heart of defence regardless of who is playing there, too. The win was the most important thing in Bristol but there are a few things for the coach to iron out.
