READING FC WOMEN’s miserable record away at Arsenal continued as the Royals’ fight for Women’s Super League survival took another twist.
Reading were unfortunate to go behind to an early penalty after a soft penalty call in the favour of the hosts.
After Little scored the opener, Arsenal extended their lead just before the break and added to it just after the break after Emma Mukandi deflected into her own net.
The hosts added a fourth through Lionesses captain Leah Williamson to seal the points.
The loss keeps Reading in ninth place in the Women’s Super League on 10 points from 15 games, three points above bottom place Leicester City who have a game in hand.
The Royals were looking to reverse their fortunes at Meadow Park having never picked up an away point in six visits at Arsenal.
Both teams went into the contest high on confidence after the Royals earned a vital win last weekend against West Ham to increase their chances of survival.
Meanwhile, the Gunners earned silverware last weekend with an impressive 3-1 victory over defending WSL champions Chelsea in the Conti Cup
Reading made a disastrous start and were in for a long evening ahead after giving away a penalty after just four minutes.
A Katie McCabe burst into the box saw her go down under a challenge from Easther Mayi Kith, with the replay showing that the hosts were fortunate to be awarded a spot kick with minimal contact in the tackle.
Kim Little stepped up to the spot and squeezed the ball past Grace Moloney who got close to keeping it out.
After going behind so early to a controversial call, Reading managed to stay resolute and organised at the back to keep the score down.
Jonas Eidevall’s team enjoyed plenty of the ball to try and break down the defence as Reading struggled to venture out of their half too often.
McCabe posed a constant threat down the left wing and almost got on the scoresheet after some smart hold up work from Frida Maanum, but her shot was held by Moloney.
Caitlin Foord then expressed some neat footwork to skip past two Reading players before she fired a shot over the top of the bar.
Little then came inches away from doubling Arsenal’s advantage when her shot whistled past the post after she was set up by Maanum.
Reading managed to escape from their half and deliver a couple of crosses into the box, one of which being excellently delivered by Faye Bryson, but with no Reading body in the middle to meet it.
Kelly Chambers’ team were dealt a blow on the stroke of half-time when the Gunners added to their lead.
A swift team move saw the hosts move the ball out to the right after a pinpoint ball from Lia Walti allowed Foord to slide the ball to Maanum to convert from a few yards out.
The second-half began as poorly for Reading as the first-half did as they conceded a few minutes in.
Williamson was allowed to drift forward from midfield and slipped the ball for Maanum who squared the ball looking for Foord, but Royals defender Emma Mukandi diverted the ball into her own net.
Chambers made a double change as Sanne Troelsaard and Lily Woodham replaced Emma Harries and Justine Vanhaevermaet.
The Gunners responded with switches of their own and substitute Stina Blackstenius was prevented from making an instant impact when Moloney made a smart stop.
Lionesses skipper Leah Williamson got on the scoresheet to further consolidate the win. Moloney made a superb initial save as she stuck out a leg to deny Blackstenius, but Williamson was well placed to apply the finish on the rebound.
Reading’s brightest moment in attack came from Rachel Rowe, who was making her 150th Royals appearance on the night.
After trading passes with Woodham, Rowe got into the box, turned past Little and almost rounded what would have been a spectacular solo effort that clipped the top of the crossbar.
Another big chance came the way of Rowe who connected with Bryson’s cross with her volley falling just wide.
Moloney stayed alert to dive at the feet of Victoria Pelova and then kept out Lotte Wubben Moy’s header to prevent Arsenal adding a fifth with 10 minutes still left to play.
Next up for Reading they host Chelsea in the FA Women’s Cup quarter-finals.
Arsenal: Zinsberger, Wienroither, Wubben-Moy, Rafaelle, Wubben-Moy, Maritz, Williamson, Little (c), McCabe, Walti, Foord, Maanum
Subs: D’Angelo, Marckese, Beattie, Pelova, Kuhl, Gio, Hurtig, Blackstenius
Reading: Moloney, Bryson, Mukandi (c), Evans, Mayi Kith, Vanhaevermaet, Moore, Rowe, Eikeland, Wellings, Harries
Subs: Burns, Wade, Hendrix, Caldwell, Jane, Woodham, Troelsgaard
Goals: Little 4’ (pen), Maanum 44’, Mukandi og 47’, Williamson 69’
