The reigning champions were forced to come from behind twice before completing the turnaround, maintaining their perfect start to the 2026/27 WSL campaign with a fifth consecutive victory.
Arsenal take the lead
Arsenal threatened early and eventually broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute through Lisa Baum.
The visitors took their advantage into the closing stages of the first half, but City responded just before the interval.
Lauren Hemp found the equaliser in first-half stoppage time, ensuring City went into the break level at 1-1.
Russo restores Arsenal's advantage
Arsenal regained the lead only four minutes after the restart when Alessia Russo finished from inside the penalty area in the 49th minute.
City once again had to respond, and the champions showed their character as they increased the pressure on the Arsenal defence.
City complete remarkable turnaround
Kerstin Casparij brought Manchester City level again in the 63rd minute, scoring with her first touch after coming on as a second-half substitute.
Hemp then completed her brace in the 72nd minute to put City ahead for the first time.
The England international was instrumental throughout the contest, finishing with two goals and an assist as City turned a difficult afternoon into another three-point haul.
Bunny Shaw put the result beyond doubt in the 84th minute, scoring her fifth league goal of the season to complete the 4-2 victory.
City maintain perfect WSL record
Arsenal, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive defeat and remain on five points after five matches.
The result also underlined City's resilience after they had been behind twice against one of their major title rivals.
Match summary
• Manchester City: Lauren Hemp 45+1', Kerstin Casparij 63', Lauren Hemp 72', Bunny Shaw 84'
• Arsenal: Lisa Baum 43', Alessia Russo 49'
Final score: Manchester City Women 4-2 Arsenal Women
