A terrible 2nd half performance, especially after Beth Mead's red card, though we were asleep for the opening few mins after half-time, as Arsenal dominated, then scored from the corner; looks like everyone now knows how poor we are at defending corners.
First half I thought Ona Batlle played well, as did Jackie Groenen and Lucy Staniforth. Shame Lauren James came up with a shocking finish on our big chance after a good move featuring Ona stealing possession then Jackie setting up Lauren. Ella Toone might have done better on the stretch a minute later from Lucy Staniforth's super through-ball. Christen Press had 3 shots, one blocked, one saved easily from an angle and a curling shot that went wide. Overall, by far our best half against an elite team since the Christmas break, not perfect but decent.
Second half most of the team went to pieces. Lucy was dreadful, Katie Zelem likewise. Christen Press kept running straight into Arsenal defenders. Numerous players gave away stupid fouls that allowed Arsenal to run down the clock. Poor crosses and over-hit through-balls. Amy and Millie demonstrated just how uncomfortable they are at taking the responsibility for passing the ball forwards; they'd rather pass the ball to each other or back to Mary Earps.
Plenty for Casey to think about. First half of the season was so encouraging but our post Christmas form suggests that rather too many of our players aren't currently ready to compete against the elite sides.