Match reportLiverpool lose to Arsenal in final WSL game of 2024
Liverpool FC Women’s final game of 2024 ended in defeat as Arsenal won 1-0 at St Helens Stadium.
Alessia Russo’s first-half goal condemned the Reds to a fourth consecutive loss in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Sunday afternoon.
A missed penalty by Mariona Caldentey soon after Russo’s strike offered Matt Beard’s side hope, but there was to be no comeback on the occasion of the manager’s 100th match of his second spell in charge.
An encouraging start from Liverpool included Olivia Smith volleying wide following a dangerous delivery by Taylor Hinds but, 20 minutes in, Arsenal went ahead through Russo.
Gemma Bonner retreated to the goalline to clear Katie McCabe’s corner and Russo reacted quickest to finish the loose ball.
The Reds’ task could have been made even tougher soon after when the visitors were awarded a penalty, with Bonner judged to have fouled Russo. Caldentey, though, hit the woodwork from the spot.
Beard’s team sought to take advantage of that reprieve and Hinds saw a long-range shot saved before Mia Enderby overhit her pass into the path of Smith, who was therefore unable to gather possession.
And Liverpool so nearly equalised on the stroke of half-time as McCabe headed Ceri Holland’s cross onto her own post, prior to Jasmine Matthews making a crucial last-ditch challenge on Frida Maanum at the other end.
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The first chance of the second period was Arsenal’s as Maanum blazed Russo’s cut-back over the crossbar after Beth Mead’s effort had hit the post via a deflection off Holland.
Liverpool were almost gifted a leveller midway through the half as Smith read goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar’s intention to play short and slid in to intercept, but the stopper was able to gather the ball.
Matthews produced another fine block to deny Caitlin Foord, with Teagan Micah then thwarting McCabe and Leah Williamson heading a corner over the bar as Arsenal looked to seal the three points.
The Reds were coming under increasing pressure and Jenna Clark did well to block Kim Little’s attempt with her head.
Beard looked to stem the tide by making a late triple substitution. However, the hosts were unable to test Van Domselaar and their year finished with a defeat.
Team
Liverpool: Micah, Fisk, Bonner (Fahey, 84), Clark, Matthews (Evans, 84), Hinds, Nagano (Silcock, 77), Shaw (Daniels, 77), Holland, Enderby (Kapocs, 84), Smith.
Unused subs: Laws, McDonald, Spencer.
Next up
Liverpool’s first fixture of 2025 will be an Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth-round tie away to West Ham United, which is scheduled to be played on Sunday January 12.
This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.