Arsenal defender Katie Reid helped her side keep a clean sheet against Manchester United in a goalless draw at Leigh on Sunday in the Women’s Super League.
And the 18-year-old – who put in a terrific individual performance in what was not the finest footballing spectacle – said afterwards that her life was made easier by playing alongside Australia international Steph Catley in the middle of the park.
“The girls make it such an easy transition,” Reid said to Arsenal’s official website. “I play with one of the best players like Steph so they just make it easy, and they’re so supportive, and the coaches have been really good with me and giving information. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
And for her part, Catley had plenty of praise for her young team-mate – who turns 19 this week.
“She’s unreal,” she said. “We’ve known that Katie is almost ready to go for a while now, but she’s just proving it. She’s so adaptable. You know, anything that I say – she’s going to hate this – anything that I say, anyone says, she takes on board.
“She’s physical, she’s quick, she’s smart, she’s good on the ball, and yeah, she’s absolutely thriving. So it’s a pleasure to play next to her.”
Katie Reid: We can build on a clean sheet
In Arsenal’s two previous Women’s Super League matches this season, they had conceded early goals – in the 17th minute against London City Lionesses, and then in the fifth minute against West Ham.
The Gunners’ forward line has then been forced into firing, with nine goals across those two games giving them a 4-1 win in the opener and then a 5-1 victory last Friday.
Reid was, unsurprisingly, disappointed that the Gunners could not take all three points, and went on to reflect upon how challenging the afternoon had been – but pointed out that keeping a clean sheet was a pleasing development.
“It was a tough match out of possession. I just felt like in possession, we weren’t clicking totally. So we just want to be cleaner in possession and we’re pleased with a clean sheet because we can always build on that.”
The result puts Arsenal in third place, behind United in second, and defending champions Chelsea who lead the table having won all three of their matches thus far.
Arsenal’s next Women’s Super League match is at the Emirates on Saturday, 27th September, when they play Aston Villa.
