Fairweather glad Arsenal have gone

Carlton Fairweather is glad to see the back of Arsenal for 2016.

The Gunners have racked up a 17-1 aggregate scoreline against Sunderland in three meetings this summer, in the FA Cup semi-final (70) and a Women’s Super League 1 double (5-1 and 4-0).

While the Londoners clocked up four goals at Eppleton yesterday, two of the goals came via penalties, with Fairweather saying the result has to be viewed with some form of perspective given the gulf between the two clubs.

“I’m glad to see the back of Arsenal,” said Fairweather. “There were positives we can take.

“We’ve created more chances than we ever have against Arsenal and we’ve moved the ball around better than we did last time out against Birmingham.

“But we have to be realistic. Arsenal are full of international players and they are all full-time professionals.”

It’s a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire for Fairweather this coming Sunday as he takes his side to title favourites Man City.

“I don’t think Man City will be as difficult a game as Arsenal,” he said.

“For me, they are the best footballing side in the league.”

Sunderland will then have a break before visiting bottom side Doncaster, meeting Notts County home and away, and ending the season at home to Birmingham.

“After Man City we have a bit of a break which will give us the chance to regroup before we play some important games,” he said.

“Those are the games against the teams in and around us and the ones where we need to be getting our points from.”

Durham Women suffered a 4-0 defeat at new WSL2 leaders Yeovil Town yesterday, with Annie Heatherson (2), Sarah Wiltshire and Helen Bleazard notching.

Durham goalkeeper Helen Alderson pulled off a terrific penalty save from Wiltshire, while Beth Hepple hit the bar with the visitors’ best opportunity.

Manager Lee Sanders said: “I’m disappointed, but credit to Yeovil I thought that was the best opposition performance that I’ve seen against us all season.”