Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool
FA Tesco Women's Premier League
2pm, Sunday 23 November 2008
Boreham Wood FC
Arsenal continued their good start to the season on Sunday, when two second-half goals saw off Liverpool and allowed them to move three points clear at the top of The FA Women's Premier League.
England stars Kelly Smith and Rachel Yankey got the goals in what proved to be a tough game for the Gunners against a determined Liverpool side.
There were chances for both teams in the first period, which Arsenal manager Vic Akers described as a 'lethargic' half for his team.
However, the hosts took control in the second half and only five minutes after the re-start Smith curled Arsenal ahead with her 22nd goal of the season to break the deadlock.
Arsenal continued to press and if it hadn't been for Liverpool goalkeeper Nicky Davies it could have been something of a goal frenzy, as she denied the Gunners time and again with a string of fine saves.
As it was, Arsenal had to wait until the 78th minute for their second, when substitute Yankey received the ball on the left before firing home from long range with her left foot.
Despite winning the three points, though, Akers still believes his team have more to offer over the next few months.
"Our performance wasn't as good as it has been over the previous months," he said.
"So we need to pick up again now and get ourselves back in gear and back playing to take the three points.
"We did that today and especially in the second period, we looked a little bit more like ourselves."
Goals
Arsenal
Smith 50, Yankey 78