Williamson's amazing reaction to Arsenal vs Man City drama while on red carpet

09 October 2023 , 14:20

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Leah Williamson arrives at the Pride Of Britain Awards 2023 at Grosvenor House (Image: Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Leah Williamson was momentarily every Arsenal fan.

The England skipper had been tuned into 80 minutes of the Gunners' heavyweight clash against reigning Premier League champions Manchester on Sunday afternoon, only for her responsibilities at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain awards requiring her attention for the final 10 minutes of the fiercely-fought encounter.

Indeed, the Arsenal defender arrived at the event in London just before Gabriel Martinelli struck the decisive goal of a nervy match via an unfortunate deflection from City defender Nathan Ake.

And Williamson, who is also vice-captain of the club's women's side, discovered the game's dramatic twist while making her way onto the red carpet. The 26-year-old's reaction, captured on camera, was a priceless shot of total shock and excitement as a wide smile engulfs her face in sheer elation.

"Are you joking?" the Gunners star asked after finally recovering from her surprise, before adding hysterically: “Did you see my face then? That’s the best news I’ve had all day!”

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Sometimes duty calls. And for a women's footballer whose reach on and off the pitch has been substantial over the last few years, those duties can often prove impossible to shirk no matter the weight of the football match.

The reality meant Williamson was ultimately forced to miss one of the moments of the decade for Arsenal supporters, but Williamson was a good sport about it all.

Leah Williamson reacts to discovering Arsenal beat Manchester City 1-0 at Emirates Stadium (Instagram)

Gabriel Martinelli broke Manchester City hearts on Sunday evening (AFP via Getty Images)

Sharing a snap of the moment via her Instagram account, the defender wrote: "Been sent this video a couple of times. Had to get out of the car in the 80th minute." Williamson has not been available for Jonas Eidevall's women's side since suffering an ACL injury last season.

The Lioness, who captained England to a first-ever major tournament triumph at the Euro 2022 Championship, was also forced to miss the Women's World Cup this summer. Arsenal have laboured in their start to the new Women's Super League season, nicking their first point of the campaign against Manchester United over the weekend.

Megan Feringa