There might have been a sense that today's blockbuster fixture between third and fourth placed Manchester City and Arsenal would be a quieter affair compared to the off-field matters of the last few days.
It was a thrilling deadline day in the WSL on Thursday which saw the return of Keira Walsh to England to join Chelsea and Chloe Kelly departing the Joie Stadium on fiery terms for Renee Slegers' greener north London pastures.
Kelly was unable to start against her parent club today, but it turned out that this game didn't need another storyline.