THOR STRIKE A TITLE BLOW FOR GUNNERS

Nothing Special about this Mad result as Coventry are left badly Ska’d on the day they pay tribute to 2 Tone Records

ARSENAL’S title defence was given a jolt by Maria Thorisdottir’s late Chelsea winner.

Emma Hayes’ Blues came back from behind to inflict a 2-1 defeat on the champions, who were prevented from going top.

It was the Gunners’ first WSL defeat since January, with Chelsea also victors.

Danielle van de Donk (right) gave Arsenal an early lead with a classy finish from inside the box. But Beth England levelled just before the hour after Fran Kirby had unselfishly squared.

And Thorisdottir (top, celebrating), set up by fellow substitute Ramona Bachmann, curled home a beauty with just four minutes remaining.

Hayes said: “At half-time I told the players we had to be aggressive. I’d no doubt we were going to win.”

Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro added: “We ADVERTISING FEATURE played badly in the second half and got punished. We didn’t put away the chances we created, so we’re our own worst enemy.” Chelsea claimed second behind Manchester City, who beat Birmingham 3-0 on Saturday thanks to Keira Walsh, Tessa Wullaert and Lee Geum-min. Manchester United are fourth after a 3-0 win at Tottenham, where Kirsty Hanson and Jane Ross added to Ashleigh Neville’s own goal. United’s Lauren James was sent off for a second yellow, eight seconds after being named Player of the Match by Wales boss Jayne Ludlow.

Blackett-Taylor

our dreams, but it’s an unbelievable victory,” added Mellon.

Coventry players wore special shirts as a tribute to iconic record label 2 Tone, which also spawned The Specials and was based in the city. Midfielder Zain Westbrooke revealed a selection of 2 Tone hits were played in the dressing room before kick-off.

But when Coventry got on the pitch they were out of tune.

A win would have taken them to third place, but despite dominating they couldn’t get a goal.

Godden, who hit the post, was the worst culprit while Walsh and Jordy Hiwula were also wasteful as Coventry got nothing out of their 19 opportunities.

Then, seven minutes from time, Emmanuel Morris flicked the ball on, Corey Blackett-Taylor, out towards the left, took a touch to control the ball and then slammed it into the far corner (below).

“Tranmere were out on their feet and we didn’t kill it off,” said frustrated Coventry manager Mark Robins (above).

“Then one little slip. I could see it happening, we were out of position and I’m thinking, ‘If he has a shot…’ Blackett-Taylor does and he’s hit it unbelievably and it’s flown in the net.” Coventry were also denied a penalty for Liam Ridehalgh’s handball just before half-time.

“It was a smash and grab, but we’ve got to keep our heads,” was Robins’ summing up. “There were a catalogue of chances for us. It could have been a 5 or 6-1. “Tranmere hadn’t won away and we cannot, if we want to achieve anything, lose a game like this.

“We’re coming away thinking how did that happen? How did we not win?

“There is no way we should have lost it.”

COVENTRY: TRANMERE: MOTM ZAIN WESTBROOKE (COVENTRY) REF: Darren Drysdale ATT: 5,658