The battle for supremacy in the Women’s Super League took another fascinating turn on Sunday as Manchester United showed their resilience to fight back and earn a 1-1 draw against a resurgent Arsenal side at Leigh Sports Village. With both teams harboring title ambitions, this clash carried extra significance even at this early stage of the season.
Russo Returns to Haunt Former Club
The pre-match narrative was dominated by the return of Alessia Russo to her former stomping ground. The England international, who made a high-profile switch to Arsenal in the summer, was given a hostile reception by the United faithful. However, Russo would have the last laugh, at least temporarily, as she broke the deadlock in the second half with a typically clinical finish.
According to sources close to the Arsenal camp, Russo had been fired up for this fixture and was determined to prove a point against her old employers. Her goal, which was only the second conceded by United in the WSL this term, looked set to be the decisive moment in a tightly-contested affair.
Mead’s Impact off the Bench
The complexion of the game changed with the introduction of Beth Mead at half-time. The Arsenal and England star, who has been working her way back to full fitness following a lengthy injury layoff, provided a spark that had been missing in the first 45 minutes. Her probing runs and intelligent link-up play stretched the United defense and created space for her teammates to exploit.
Beth’s return is a real boost for us. She brings so much quality and experience to the side. Her impact today was clear for all to see.
– Arsenal interim head coach Renée Slegers
Tullis-Joyce Stands Tall
Despite Arsenal’s growing influence, United had their goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce to thank for keeping them in the contest. The American made a string of fine saves to deny the likes of Mead, Foord, and Blackstenius, while Lia Wälti saw her long-range effort cannon back off the post. Tullis-Joyce’s performance underlined her growing reputation as one of the division’s top shot-stoppers.
Malard to the Rescue
Just as it seemed Arsenal were set to claim a valuable three points, up popped Melvine Malard with a dramatic late equalizer. The French forward, on as a substitute, timed her run to perfection to meet Rachel Williams’ flick-on and power a header beyond Manuela Zinsberger in the Arsenal goal. Cue delirium among the home supporters as United salvaged a hard-earned point.
The draw means United remain unbeaten and two points clear of Arsenal in the WSL standings, although Chelsea’s win over Tottenham means the Blues have leapfrogged Marc Skinner’s side into top spot. However, there is a sense that this United team have the belief and togetherness to sustain a title tilt this season.
Milestone for Skinner
Sunday’s game marked a personal milestone for United boss Marc Skinner as he oversaw his 100th match in charge of the club. The 39-year-old has overseen steady progress since taking the reins in 2021 and he will be determined to guide his team to silverware sooner rather than later.
I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far but there’s so much more to come from this group. We have the talent and the mentality to compete with the very best.
– Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner
On the evidence of this pulsating encounter, Skinner may well be right. United showed courage and character to bounce back from Russo’s sucker punch and claim a merited point. With Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal all looking strong, the WSL title race promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. United will certainly fancy their chances of being in the mix come May.
For Arsenal, this result represents a solid point gained on the road against one of their principal rivals. New head coach Renée Slegers appears to have galvanized the squad following a turbulent period and the Gunners will be confident of mounting a sustained challenge on multiple fronts this term. With Mead back in the fold and the likes of Russo and Foord forming a potent attacking unit, Arsenal’s ceiling is undoubtedly high.
Attention now turns to the international break, with several of the players involved in this fixture set to link up with their national teams. When the WSL action resumes in a fortnight, United host Brighton while Arsenal entertain West Ham. Both sides will be targeting maximum points as they look to keep pace at the summit and lay down a marker for the challenges ahead.
