Sunderland Ladies fell from the top of the league with a bump as they went down 5-1 at champions Arsenal on Sunday. Despite the score line it was not as one sided as it suggests.

The visitors caused many problems for their illustrious opponents, especially from the wide areas and indeed took a 7^th minute lead through Natalie Gutteridge following some fine play down the right.

Early exchanges were even but Arsenal hit back strongly with a Julie Fleeting double in the 23^rd and 27^th minute. Sunderland continued to press but the experience of the home side was proving hard to break down.

HT...Arsenal Ladies  2  vs  1  Sunderland Ladies

The second period continued as the first with Sunderland having a lot of possession but lacking real penetration. Arsenal always seemed to have something in reserve, however, and Kim Little struck twice after 51 and 55 minutes to kill the Wearsiders resistance. Rachael Yankey hit the fifth on the hour to make the final score a harsh lesson in finishing for the visitors.

FT...Arsenal Ladies 5  vs  1  Sunderland Ladies

Sunderland...Laws, Holmes (Salicki). Bannon, Wilson, Devine, Staniforth, Nobbs, McDougall, Stokes, Danby (Atkinson), Gutteridge

Sunderland Women travel to Doncaster Rovers Belles on Wednesday night (18th November) in a Women's Premier League mid-week fixture. 

The game will take place at The Keepmoat Stadium, with a 7.45pm kick off.