- Manchester United score late goal to secure 1 point
- Arsenal took the lead early in the second half through Alessia Russo
- Man U’s substitutes make impact scoring in the 82nd minute
- United are fourth on the WSL table with 11 points, Arsenal sit in 6th place with nine points
Arsenal drop points after Russo goal give them the lead. Despite a controlled second half performance, Man Utd score late equaliser
It’s been a strange season for Arsenal so far. A poor start saw boss Jonas Eidevall sacked. His replacement, interim manager Renee Slegers, had managed to get two wins in her first two games, but today, she was denied a third win thanks to a late equaliser from Melvine Malard.
Manchester United started well with Grace Clinton and Ella Toone switching positions regularly and Elisabeth Terland causing trouble for Arsenal’s back line.
Arsenal’s first-half performance did well enough to keep Clinton’s threat under wraps and keeper Van Domselaar’s reach kept out Terland’s header.
Alessia Russo found the back of the net in the 63rd minute, a sharp and athletic performance from the England international, who’s struggled in front of goal this season.
The second half saw a solid performance from the Gunners, with much of the goal anticipation in favour of the north London team.
Lia Walti had some of the best chances throughout the match with a thunder shot from the edge of the box before sending another just over the bar.
The second half marked a much better performance from Arsenal that what has been seen since the start of the new season.
But despite the improved and disciplined performance, it couldn’t secure all three points for the travelling team.
A late goal from Man Utd’s Maalard – in front of 8,348 crowd (1,200 of them travelling Arsenal fans) – keeps United ahead of Arsenal on the WSL table and within top 3 contention.
Man United make impactful subs
Leigh Sports Village provided a lively and loud setting for Man U, who remain unbeaten in their opening five matches and within reach of league leaders Manchester City.
Some might question why Alessia Russo was subbed off (78 min) when the Gunners only had a slim 1-0 lead.
But few will question Marc Skinner’s substitute choices with two of his subs working together to snatch the equaliser late on. The subs had a huge impact for United who – despite Arsenal having most of the control in the second half – did not give up and took it to the wire.
No doubt Man U will be satisfied as their unbeaten start continues – although Ella Toone might not be sharing in the joy, as the commentator noted when she was subbed off that she had a “face like a slapped bum.”
Today’s record crowd were joined by England manager Sarina Wiegman along with Manchester United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth and head of women’s football Matt Johnson who were also in attendance.
Arsenal will be disappointed with the result, especially considering their dominance in the second half. But United’s Dan Ashworth and Matt Johnson will be pleased with what they saw in the first half, and the team’s continued persistence.
Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
Attendance: 8,348 crowd (1,200 of them travelling fans)
Stadium: Leigh Sports Village
What next? Arsenal face Brighton on Friday 8 November whilst Man Utd take on Villa on Sunday 10 November
