Arsenal moved within three points of Manchester United in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League when defeating them 2-0, despite a red card for Beth Mead.
Joe Montemurro’s side still have a game in hand on Casey Stoney’s charges and with a much better goal-difference too, in the race for the third Champions League place.
The Gunners were in front inside three minutes, when Caitlin Foord played in Jill Roord whose shot was deflected past Mary Earps by the unfortunate Millie Turner.
Christen Press quickly forced a save from Manuela Zinsberger at the other end but it was Lauren James who had United best chance of a first-half equaliser, only to blaze over the bar.
Arsenal struck again early in the second period, Lottie Wubben-Moy powerfully heading home a Katie McCabe corner but the hosts then lost Mead to a second caution for her foul on Lucy Staniforth, with still nearly half-an-hour remaining.
The visitors struggled to threaten much though and when Ella Toone did knock the ball into the net from Jess Sigsworth header, they were frustrated by the flag for offside.
Katie Zelem had a clear chance for United but fired over the crossbar, showing that the hosts had done enough before being reduced to ten players.
