Updated at 14.51

THERE WAS good news for Vera Pauw’s Ireland, as Katie McCabe made a quicker-than-expected recovery from injury to start for Arsenal in their crunch Women’s Super League meeting with Man City today before scoring a stunning winning goal amid a 2-1 victory.

The 27-year-old limped out of the Gunners’ Champions League win over Bayern Munich and was pictured afterwards wearing a protective boot on her left foot.

However, after undergoing a scan during the week, it appeared the injury was not as serious as initially feared, as the Dubliner was named in the Ireland squad for upcoming back-to-back away friendlies against the USA.

Bunny Shaw headed City in front after just five minutes with her 16th goal of the season and Gareth Taylor’s side should have added to their lead.

Arsenal, second best before the break, seemed to be suffering something of a Champions League hangover following their big midweek victory over Bayern Munich, but Shaw was denied by Sabrina D’Angelo before Lauren Hemp sent a glorious chance over the bar before half-time.

City were made to pay for those misses when Arsenal drew level just after the hour, with Frida Maanum on hand to turn the ball in after a scramble in the box.

McCabe then settled it in fine fashion the 74th minute, taking a short corner and running into the box before firing a left-footed shot into the top corner of the net, giving Arsenal a win that moves them above City on goal difference, with both three points behind leaders Manchester United.

AN ABSOLUTE ROCKET FROM KATIE MCCABE! 🚀@Katie_McCabe11 that is incredible!#BarclaysWSL @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/um671lyjKG

— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) April 2, 2023

Additional reporting by Press Association