Mary Fowler's brilliant run of form has continued for Manchester City with another two goals, but her double could not prevent a 4-3 loss at home to Arsenal in the Women's Super League (WSL).
In a match where her Matildas teammates Kyra Cooney-Cross and Steph Catley featured for Arsenal, Fowler made it five goals and three assists in her last five WSL matches.
She twice dragged Manchester City back into a thrilling contest at Academy Stadium, but eventually her 20th-minute header and second-half penalty were not enough to deny Arsenal the victory.
A chaotic contest began when Arsenal went ahead through Mariona Caldentey after just 42 seconds.
Arsenal's second goal came when Cooney-Cross curled in a free-kick that Lotte Wubben-Moy headed home in the eighth minute.
Fowler struck with a rare headed goal at the far post, expertly nodding home Aoba Fujino's cross from the right.
Arsenal's former striker Vivianne Miedema drew City level five minutes into the second half.
A minute later, Arsenal was back in front through Frida Maanum, but the Gunners' joy was short-lived when Matildas captain Catley was adjudged to have brought down Fujino in the penalty box.
Catley protested the foul had occurred outside the area, but it was a gift for Fowler, who then comfortably handled the pressure of the 55th-minute spot kick as she slotted home the equaliser.
Arsenal finished the stronger, however, with Swedish international Stina Blackstenius latching on to Beth Mead's low cross to seal a deserved win for the visitors.
The result has City placed fourth on the WSL standings on 25 points, 12 adrift of leaders Chelsea, while Arsenal (27) is third.
Manchester City and Arsenal will face off again on Friday AEDT in the Women's League Cup semifinals.
AAP/ABC
