Arsenal Women 1-1 Bristol City Women

Arsenal's frustrating start to the Women's Super League One season continued as they were held to a draw at home by improving Bristol City.

The visitors took a surprise lead when 17-year-old Lauren Hemp curled in expertly in the first half.

The Netherlands' Danielle van de Donk put Arsenal back on terms after the break, and both sides struck the bar.

The Gunners created chances but were ultimately frustrated as they slipped further behind their title rivals.

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Having been beaten 5-2 at title rivals Manchester City last time out, Sunday's draw left Arsenal five points off leaders Chelsea and City after their first three matches of the season.

Such a deficit is a significant early blow to the Gunners' hopes of a first league title since 2012, in what is only an 18-game season.

For Bristol City, who lost 6-0 at Chelsea just two weeks previously and 5-0 at home to Arsenal in the Spring Series earlier in 2017, their organised performances have seen them pick up four points from their past two games.

The Vixens could have won it in the second half, but Scotland international Chloe Arthur's powerful left-footed drive hit the bar.

Earlier, Jordan Nobbs had also hit the frame of the goal for Arsenal, and the Gunners missed late chances through Jodie Taylor and Vivianne Miedema.

Arsenal's Danielle van de Donk: "We are better than them, but we didn't really show it.

"We were quite slow in possession and if we could have got ourselves level a bit earlier we could have won.

"We weren't sharp enough and we need to be at a higher level if we are going to challenge this year.

"We have been waiting for that for three games, so I'm hoping it is going to come out in the next game, because it is taking a bit too long now."

Bristol City's Carla Humphrey: "In the first half, we flew out the traps and put pressure on them.

"We fully deserved our goal. In the second half, we were up against it, but it was a well-deserved result for us, and we're really happy with the point.

"The message at half-time was keep going and don't get complacent. The building blocks have been set with the win last week and a good point away at Arsenal, so we need to continue this."

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