Arsenal Ladies 1-3 Liverpool Ladies

1. FT: Arsenal 1-3 Liverpool - Oshoala seals it with lob
2. Women's Super League resumes after two-month break
3. Crowd of 2,061 turns up at Boreham Wood
4. Use audio icon for radio commentary

Goodbye

That's it from the Women's Super League. Liverpool have the win but it's Chelsea who are sitting five points clear at the top of the table at the mid-way point of the season. Many thanks for your company as well as your tweets and messages. Until next time...

Liverpool reaction

Liverpool manager Matt Beard on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "I'm pleased with the performance - we could have gone 3-0 up. We showed great character, Arsenal caused us problems in the second half - they're a good side. 

"We dug deep defensively and did enough to win it. We didn't put Fara Williams under any pressure to play. She just wants to play football - it was a fantastic strike. I thought they should have had a penalty. But I felt we should have had one in the first half. So swings and roundabouts.

"We're taking one game at a time. There's no pressure on us because Chelsea won again. It'll be a good second half of the season. We'll regroup and focus for Notts County next week."

And here comes a happy Liverpool manager...

Arsenal reaction

Arsenal boss Pedro Martinez Losa on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "We started the game not at our best level and Liverpool did well. Coming back from 2-0 is difficult. 

"We did our best in the second half and had chances to tie the game. It looks like we should have had a penalty but I'd prefer to double-check first. It was a critical moment. If we do better, then we don't need to talk about the referee. We need to start with better intensity."

Arsenal reaction coming up....

'Martinez got it wrong today'

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Arsenal boss Pedro Martinez Losa has got a lot of work to do - he's got an exceptional squad. They're missing Jordan Nobbs, who pulls the strings in midfield. They've got the players, it's just a case of getting the right mould. I think today Martinez got it wrong. They're five points off top. Somebody needs to take points off Chelsea to let other teams in again, but at the moment nobody seems able to do that.

Next for Liverpool?

Will this result kick-start Liverpool's season? We won't have long to find out. Their next match is at home to Notts County on 18 July.

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Martin Jones on Facebook:  I'd love to see the women's game take off, but in all honesty, they still have a lot of problems to overcome. It doesn't help that there is only eight teams in the top division, that is not very impressive. I appreciate that it costs a lot to run a top flight team, and financial problems mean there are not many teams that can compete at the top level. But surely they can do better than eight! I personally would allow any team from the second division that wants promotion to have it immediately, to form a more viable and attractive league. 

So, Arsenal's unbeaten league start to the season is over. Next up for the Gunners? Birmingham City away on 19 July.

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Overall it was entertaining game. Liverpool deserved the win, they did most of their work in the first half and defended after the break. Dan Carter was isolated up front for Arsenal. Liverpool came out of the blocks flying. Arsenal were taken by surprise. For the first match back after the World Cup it's been a good game.

Liverpool have obviously worked on some things during the break. All they needed to do was grind out the win and they did it.

That was a great advert for the FA Women's Super League. Two terrific finishes by Liverpool, Fara Williams's effort in particular had Arsenal fans out of their seats applauding.

FULL-TIME

Terrific by Liverpool. Much to ponder for Arsenal manager Pedro Martinez Losa.

This result will not go unnoticed. Many had written off Liverpool's chances of a third successive title after an inconsistent first half of the season. This result suggests they are still a force to be reckoned with. 

Deep into stoppage time. The points are heading Liverpool's way. Chelsea are staying five points clear at the top of the table.

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Arsenal were pushing all their players forward and it takes one second, it was a poor header from one of their defenders. To be fair, Asisat Oshoala still had to beat Emma Byrne and it was a great finish to lob her. That looks like game over.

It's fine margins. Arsenal got their goal but then stopped getting the ball forward to their strikers who were causing all kinds of problems.

GOAL

All over. Another delightful Liverpool goal, Natasha Dowie's long ball forward is headed into Asisat Oshoala's path by Arsenal's Marta Corredera and the Liverpool forward lobs the keeper. Lovely finish.

Liverpool are temporarily down to 10 as forward Kate Longhurst loses a boot and is told to get off the pitch and put it back on.

Chelsea players and fans will be hoping Liverpool can hang on. If they do, the Blues will have a five-point lead at the top of the table.

For all Arsenal's attacking intent, their lack of composure at the crucial moment looks set to cost them. That and their sloppy start.

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Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Satara Murray is down with cramp. It's nine weeks since they played so maybe it's affecting them.

Just over 10 minutes for Liverpool to hang on. And they are just about hanging on. Arsenal look dangerous each time they surge into the Reds half. A grandstand finish coming up.

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Arsenal are putting Liverpool under a lot of pressure. It’s becoming an exciting game.

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Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Liverpool got lucky. I’ve seen Satara Murray concede a penalty this season already. She let Dan Carter get in front of her there. If I was Arsenal I’d be very disappointed with that. Carter has tried to stay on her feet. I've seen them given. As a defender I'd be screaming it isn't, but as an attacker I would have been asking for a penalty.

Moments before Chioma Ubogagu's chance, Danielle Carter lost her footing under a challenge by Satara Murray. Arsenal wanted a penalty. The referee was not interested.

CLOSE!

Frantic stuff inside the last 20 minutes.

Arsenal are throwing bodies forward and Chioma Ubogagu is unmarked inside the Liverpool area. She lines up a shot and... fires straight at Libby Stout.

Big chance for Arsenal.

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Will you go to more games? Have your say on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page.

Jonny Honz Caunt: Go to a game, no probably not, but I'd definitely watch any televised games now.

Martin Dawkins: Probably. The World Cup may have raised the profile of women's football but you have to work hard to encourage people to participate, find qualified coaches who understand women's football. If you just leave new players/parents to make an effort without appropriate and sustained encouragement, coaching and support, nothing will happen

Here comes the attendance...2,016 inside Meadow Park. That's another decent effort on a day of big crowds in the FA Women's Super League.

YELLOW CARD

Game on. Liverpool were showing signs of trying to run down the clock before Arsenal's goal but they can't sit back now.

This is a crucial stage of the game. Liverpool's Asisat Oshoala is shown a yellow card for a late challenge.

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

That’s a great ball by Jemma Rose and Natalia can score from anywhere. It’s a great finish. She just lobbed the keeper Libby Stout, who will be disappointed. Asisat Oshoala could have kept the ball a bit better – she gave it to Jemma Rose, who played it in.

GOAL

FA

Oh my...what a beautiful finish by Natalia Pablos, the Spanish forward volleying Jemma Rose's long punt into the Liverpool box over the keeper.

Superb technique from the Arsenal player and the hosts are right back in this.

YELLOW CARD

There's another half an hour remaining but evidence Liverpool are trying to run down the clock already as keeper Libby Stout is booked for time wasting.

Loads of possession by Arsenal but they can't do anything with it. The crowd continues to scream encouragement each time they go forward but frustration is growing - both on and off the pitch.

So nearly a spectacular own goal by Marta Corredera as the Arsenal forward makes a total hash of trying to clear Asisat Oshoala's overhead kick.

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Will you go to more games? Have your say on the  BBC Match of the Day Facebook  page.  

Ben Phillips:  I've watched three England women's matches at Ewood. All three suffered from a lack of atmosphere and quality. It can never be considered mainstream like men's football because it's just not as good.

Chris Ward:  Now so many players are full-time, you can see the level of concentration and fitness is maintained for the whole 90 minutes. The WSL is competitive and entertaining. The only way is up.

Dave Watkins:  Here is my honest opinion - any true fan of the game of football, will show an interest in the game at any level, from pro to semi-pro to the women's league. A good game is a good game. I wish people would stop trying to compare the men and women's games, both different and both can be enjoyed in different ways. If the women's game really does take off and it encourages more young people to get out and play, that can only be a good thing... and as such, anyone with an interest in football, should be supporting the women's game still.

End to end now.

Arsenal are throwing players forward and that is leaving big holes at the back.

Asisat Oshoala has a great chance to break into the penalty area, but Arsenal's defence manages to scramble the ball away.

The hosts respond through substitute Natalia Pablos, whose curling attempt from outside the area rattles an advertising board.

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Arsenal have shown their intentions from the off there. A few of their players went forward there, whereas Dan Carter was isolated in the first half. If they continue like that we’re in for  an exciting second half.

Plenty of attacking intent from the Gunners at the start of the second half. Little end product.

SUBSTITUTION

Arsenal need to do something drastically to get back into this and boss Pedro Martinez Losa hopes two changes at the start of the second half will help.

Midfielder Jade Bailey is replaced by forward Natalia Pablos, while striker Chioma Ubogagu is on for midfielder Carla Humphrey.

Liverpool have made one change, New Zealand forward Rosie White is on for Katrin Omarsdottir.  

KICK-OFF

We're back under way at Boreham Wood. Three changes at the start of the second half..

Leaders Chelsea go five points clear

Chelsea Ladies proved too strong for Bristol Academy as they opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table.

First-half goals from Gilly Flaherty and Gemma Davison put the unbeaten home side in command.

Bristol debutant Jade Boho-Sayo pulled one back after the break before Ji So-yun restored the Blues' two-goal lead from the penalty spot.

Millie Farrow added a fourth late on as Chelsea won comfortably in front of a lively post-World Cup crowd of 1,233.

Duggan earns City win

Toni Duggan'sgoal proved enough toearn Manchester Cityall three points against Birmingham. Duggan pounced in the 55th minute after great play by Jill Scott.

Bouquets but no points

Notts County had five players in England's World Cup squad and they were given a warm reception before their match at Sunderland.

But Beth Mead'sstunning injury-time strike earned the hosts all three points. Hayley Sharphad given them an early lead before County hit back throughJess Clarke.

Elsewhere in the Super League

Time to find out what has been going on elsewhere in Sunday's Super League One matches.

They'll be loving this scoreline at Chelsea. The Super League leaders will remain five points clear at the top of the table unless Arsenal score two goals in the second half.

Liverpool started this game in sixth position. If the score stays the same they'll move above Manchester City into fifth spot.

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

It could be 2-2. Arsenal grew into the game. They had plenty of opportunities to get back into the game, they’ll be disappointed. You can never write Arsenal off. Liverpool seemed happy to be 2-0 up and were just trying to get to half-time. They started well but were dropping off in the last 10 minutes.

HALF-TIME

The half ends with Liverpool keeper Libby Stout keeping out Carla Humphrey's thumping effort from 10 yards.

It's all smiles for the visitors as they head for the dressing room. Arsenal have it all to do.

Half time is fast approaching Liverpool will be delighted with how it has gone so far. Although Arsenal have come back into this, the Reds remain the dominant side. Big team talk coming up for Arsenal boss Pedro Martinez Losa.

The television cameras zoom in on the crowd. There's an awful lot of children - many wearing Arsenal shirts. A real family atmosphere on a blustery night in Hertfordshire.

'Liverpool not the same'

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Liverpool are not playing the same as last season - they're struggling. They need the three points to gather ground on teams above them. But the win is also a necessity for Arsenal as Chelsea could run away with it. It's still early doors, there's lots of games to play. 

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Join the debate on the Match of the Day Facebook page.

Marko Whitmore:  Give it 5 years, let the product generate mass appeal and let the crowds swell. I don't think it's a poor standard personally, the officiating is generally poor but the football is decent at top levels. It's only going to get better

Paul Higgin:  Just come home from watching Man City v Birmingham. Good match. Think there will be more people going to watch them now because of the World Cup

Andrea Buzzi:  Let's not be silly, it's even worse than watching a Conference game

YELLOW CARD

Cynical by Kate Longhurst on Arsenal forward Marta Corredera. The crowd screams for the referee to take action. The official has no option. A yellow card for the yellow-shirted Longhurst.

After a poor start, Arsenal are beginning to get a grip. They're creating chances but Liverpool's defence is doing a decent job. There another opening for Danielle Carter but her shot is tame.

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YELLOW CARD

Remember I mentioned neither side was holding back in terms of challenges. Arsenal's Danielle Carter goes into the referee's notebook after following through on goalscorer Becky Easton.

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

We were surprised that Arsenal started two of their new signings. Liverpool’s team aren’t much different to the team before the break. They are a good squad, they just struggled for a couple of months. Hopefully for them they’re seeing the benefits now.

CLOSE!

Huge chance for Arsenal as Vicky Losada skips past a couple of challenges before releasing Danielle Carter. 

Surely she must score? No, the Arsenal forward hurries her shot and the ball rolls wide of the post.

Get Involved

Let us know on the BBC MOTD Facebook page if you think the increased popularity of women's football in England is here to stay.

Christian Cooke:  Interest will tail off, but that's the same of every sporting tournament you've seen this summer - golf, cricket, football in general. Women's football has been given a good boost due to the BBC showing the action on TV. It's a start, but still a long way to go.

Kenny Ashton:  If the media tried treating it for what it is (a competitive sport) rather than a novelty maybe people would take it more seriously. I really enjoyed the World Cup and I wouldn't hesitate in going to a match.

Sebastian Szlenkier:  I'm certainly more interested since the World Cup, but my club doesn't have a women's team sadly and where I live doesn't really have any WSL teams.

There's been a break in play while Liverpool's American goalkeeper Libby Stout receives treatment after being caught by Leah Williamson. She's able to carry on after some treatment. The challenges are flying. There's no holding back from either side.

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Mid-way through the first half. There's only one team in this. Arsenal are careless and have yet to get going. In contrast, Liverpool are all full of energy and putting the Gunners defence under serious pressure.

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Some people were writing Liverpool off for the title. They might have spoken too soon. They've all over the Gunners.

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

All the girls went over to Fara Williams to celebrate because she took the corner but if I was Becky Easton I'd be screaming ‘that’s my goal’. She doesn’t score many.

GOAL

Arsenal's defence is all over the place and Liverpool are in ruthless mood.

Fara Williams delivers a perfect corner which Becky Easton somehow manages to get her head to despite being sandwiched between two defenders.

Liverpool in total control.

Fara Williams played in all seven matches for England at the World Cup, scoring three goals. 

She looks fresh as a daisy. No sign of post-World Cup fatigue whatsoever.

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

What a strike. That was great combination play with Asisat Oshoala and Natasha Dowie. To be fair I thought Fara should have passed instead of shooting. I played with her for England – she’s some player. She can score from anywhere.

Liverpool deserve to be 1-0 up. They’ve had a great start and Arsenal need to respond.

GOAL

FA

What a finish. And it's come from the boot of Lioness Fara Williams who again shows a superb eye for goal with a terrific strike into the top corner of the net from 18 yards.

It's nothing more than Liverpool deserve. They have been the superior team so far.

It's Liverpool's turn to soak up some pressure. Jemma Rose pings a free-kick into the Liverpool penalty area but it is well defended.

Get Involved

Let us know on the  BBC MOTD Facebook page  if you think the increased popularity of women's football in England is here to stay. 

Stu Brooks:  I think it may be given more respect now, the England vs Germany game was full of proper tackles that we just don't get in the men's game anymore.

Gareth Jones: I actually got Chelsea ladies fixture list through my door yesterday, they play about 20min walk from my place, might pop down at some point.

Samantha McGauley: Went to my first WSL game today with my children, loved it. Already got the next game in my diary and they had a record attendance today too!

Lindsay Johnson

Everton defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Arsenal were very lucky. Asisat Oshoala went pass Casey Stoney with ease at the back there. She should have put that away.

This game is being held at the home of Boreham Wood, who will play in the National League next season.

It's a lively crowd but they're seeing Liverpool make the better start. A powerful run by Asisat Oshoala almost results in an early goal for the visitors, the 20-year-old Nigeria international stabbing the ball narrowly wide.

'We've been unfortunate'

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

We lost a few senior players in pre-season. It's a very tough league, our new players have taken a while to settle in. Some of our performances, we should have gotten more points - we've been unfortunate. But we're pleased with where we are mentally. I'm confident we can have a good second half of the season.

Matt BeardLiverpool manager

KICK-OFF

Just time for both teams to enjoy a pre-match huddle... and we're under way.

Here come the teams. In keeping with all the Super League One games on Sunday, there's a terrific crowd. Liverpool are in all yellow while Arsenal are sporting their red and white home colours.

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Great shout, David. Don't forget the Women's FA Cup final is at Wembley on 1 August.

Listen while you read

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

On this page - or on an actual radio if you're old school - you can listen to BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentary of this game.

Sohail Sahi is commentating, with former England defender Lindsay Johnson, who plays for Liverpool's rivals Everton, summarising. 

We'll bring you her analysis in our text commentary throughout the game.

'Liverpool's players aren't gelling'

Liverpool have not made the most convincing of starts. In games where, on paper, they should have won, they haven't necessarily got over the line. They don't seem to be particularly gelling, but up front Nigeria-born Asisat Oshoala has got better and better and better, and I think she will continue to do so through the season.

Rachel Brown-FinnisFormer England goalkeeper

Liverpool's season at a glance

Reigning champions Liverpool had a disappointing first half of the season and only picked up two victories from their opening five league matches. 

They do have a game in hand on Manchester City, but start the second half of the campaign in fifth place, eight points behind leaders Chelsea.

Manager Matt Beard admits that losing some big-name players at the start of the campaign cost them, but says they are in a positive mood after the international break. He also says the club have not given up on retaining their title.

'Arsenal are title contenders'

Arsenal are kind of back to the Arsenal of old. They had a down time last season, even though they won the FA Cup. They have brought through some younger players and are really getting back to their former glory. For me they will push on and be one of the contenders for the title.

Rachel Brown-FinnisFormer England goalkeeper

Arsenal's season at a glance

Pedro Martinez Losa's side are unbeaten in the league in 2015.

After a relatively slow start - they draw away to Notts County before being knocked out of the Women's FA Cup at the quarter-final stage - Arsenal steadily improved.

Arsenal enjoyed a vital away win over Manchester City before ending Chelsea's 100%-winning record with a hard-fought  draw at Staines Town,  meaning the title race remains wide-open.

Manchester City's record attendance is big news, with World Cup organisers tweeting this message earlier...

Get Involved

So with impressive crowds recorded all around England this weekend, has women's football finally entered the mainstream in the country?

Are you more likely to head to a game following England's World Cup run, or do you think interest will tail off after a few weeks?

Let us know using #bbcfootball  on Twitter or comment on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page.

Record crowd at Manchester City

It seems England's achievements at the Women's World Cup has had a knock-on effect in the Women's Super League.

Manchester Cityreported a record attendance of 2,102 for their match with Birmingham City, with fans queuing outside their ground at Sportcity before kick-off.

Chelsea'shome match with Bristol Academy at Staines was witnessed by 1,233, while 955 were present for Sunderland'smatch with Notts County at the Hetton Centre.

Team news

Returning Lionesses  Alex Scott and  Casey Stoney  - both defenders - start for Arsenal. 

Arsenal XI :  Byrne, Scott, Stoney, Rose, Janssen, Williamson, Bailey, Losada, Corredera, Carter, Humphrey. 

Defender  Fara Williams , fresh from playing for England at the World Cup, starts for Liverpool.

Liverpool XI:  Stout, Easton, Murray, Bonner, Harris, Williams, Omarsdottir, Longhurst, Oshoala, Dowie, Hodson.

Latest standings

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The top six of England's top flight

Plenty of action already today. Leaders Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the table to five points after a 4-1 home win over bottom of the table Bristol Academy. Birmingham City remain seventh after a 1-0 defeat at Manchester City while Sunderland beat Notts County 2-1.

Arsenal will reduce Chelsea's lead to two points if they defeat Liverpool, who have dropped to sixth in the eight-team table.

Race for the title

With the World Cup party over, it is all about securing club silverware as the second half of the Women's Super League One season resumes.

And what a mouth-watering game to get us back under way after a two-month break for the World Cup.

Arsenal and Liverpool are the two most successful clubs in Super League One history, both winning the title two times. The Gunners won the first two titles in 2011 and 2012, with Liverpool champions the last two years.

But the Reds have work to do if they are to make it three titles in a row.

From Downing Street to Boreham Wood

Getty

They've had croissants with the Duke of Cambridge. Sipped coffee with Prime Minister David Cameron. And there was even time to visit Centre Court at Wimbledon.

But less than a week after returning from the Women's World Cup having helped secure England a highly creditable third-placed finish in Canada, it is back to club action for the likes of Arsenal's Casey Stoney and Liverpool's Fara Williams.

A few days after appearing in the Lionesses' victory over Germany, Stoney and Williams are on opposite sides as the FA Women's Super League's two most successful teams go head-to-head at Boreham Wood.