Heather O’Reilly praised Arsenal’s ‘gritty’ 3-0 win over Sunderland at the weekend.

O’Reilly hailed the Gunners’ performance against the Black Cats on Sunday after their much-needed win. “I think it was a really gritty performance, which was one that we needed,” said the 32-year-old.

“I think we had a lot of chances in the first half, so of course you could start having doubts setting in that it may not be our day, but we fought that feeling, we fought that negativity and we came out of the locker room feeling optimistic, believing in each other and our chances and we were able to put some home.
“I think Jordan Nobbs had an excellent game too, to put in two world class set-pieces, one which she scored on and one which she delivered to Louise Quinn, so that was excellent and a fantastic finish from Vivianne Miedema as well.

“I think it was a really good team effort and I think everybody did their job well, which is what you’re looking for in 90 minutes.”

Lauren Quinn, 21-year-old Vivianne Miedema and Jordan Nobbs all found the back of the net in the second half after a strong first.

The three points mean that Arsenal rise to third in the FA WSL 1 table, one point above Liverpool Ladies and just three behind Chelsea in second.

Manchester City, much like the men’s side, are still flying with 15 points from five games.

As O’Reilly points out, Nobbs had a brilliant match against Sunderland. The 24-year-old has now netted three this season.

jordan nobbs
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Jordan Nobbs of Arsenal in action during the Women’s Super League 1 match between Arsenal and Sunderland AFC Ladies on November 12, 2017 in Borehamwood, United Kingdom. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s next clash is away to Watford at Gaywood Park on Thursday 16 November.

It might be a Continental Cup match but Watford aren’t exactly in the best form right now.

The Hornets are currently bottom of the WSL 2 table with just one point from five games played. They’ve also conceded 15 goals and only scored three, so hopefully the Gunners’ won’t need too much of a ‘gritty’ performance to leave with a win.

Arsenal’s next WSL match isn’t until 10 December against Liverpool.