The Reds started strong in the Barclays Women’s Super League match, but after the hosts—the reigning European champions—found their rhythm midway through the first half, Phallon had a busy time for the rest of the game.
Our no. 91 made a crucial save by diving at the feet of Olivia Smith, Arsenal’s record signing, to block a close-range shot. She remained sharp, managing to save a deflected effort from former Reds striker Alessia Russo during stoppage time in the first half.
After halftime, the Gunners ramped up the pressure, forcing Marc Skinner’s side to defend tenaciously. Throughout this period, Tullis-Joyce continued to excel, making a crucial stop on Russo’s scrappy attempt and later successfully gathering a clever flick aimed at goal from the Arsenal forward.
Substitute Caitlin Foord also found herself thwarted from distance, but it was our goalkeeper’s remarkable late intervention that stood out. In stoppage time, she dove low to her left to deny a shot from Victoria Pelova, preserving our hard-fought efforts and securing a vital point for the team.
