Arsenal Ladies missed the chance to go back to the top of the Women’s Super League as they were beaten 3-2 by Manchester City on Sunday.

Goals from Alex Scott and Natalia Pablos Sanchon were not enough for the Gunners as an early Lucy Bronze goal and strikes from Toni Duggan and Isobel Christiansen gave City a 3-2 victory at Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park.

The visitors took the lead after 23 minutes thanks to Bronze’s header. The home side drew level a minute into the second half with a sublime lob from captain Scott.

Christiansen and Duggan put Manchester City two and then three-one ahead. Pablos Sanchon late goal meant a nervy final ten minutes for the visitors, but Arsenal couldn’t find an equaliser and City held on.

Arsenal came into the game in good form on the back of three consecutive wins and knowing a victory would send them back to the top of the table.

Despite this, the Citizens took the lead. Arsenal defender Scott’s efforts were in vain as Bronze’s header was ruled to have cross the line, in spite of the captain's attempted clearance.

Just a minute into the second half Arsenal were level. Scott’s lob left Karen Bardsley’s with no chance as it flew over her head and into the net.

Christiansen put Manchester City’s back into the lead just 14 minutes later as she converted Bronze’s dangerous low cross.

Duggan put the visitors 3-1 with a magnificent solo effort. On 68 minutes she picked the ball up and curled into the top corner from 20 yards.

Natalia’s header at the near post nine minutes from time wasn’t enough as Arsenal suffered just their second defeat of the campaign.