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Manchester United secured a point with a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Lee Sports Village on Sunday.
Former United striker Alessia Russo broke the deadlock as time expired and finished a cut-back to find the back of the net.
It looked like United were heading for their first defeat of the WSL season, but substitute Melvine Malad netted a wayward goal to share the spoils.
Mark Skinner’s side have now recorded three wins and two draws from their opening five games.
first half
Arsenal started more confidently with the ball and moved the ball well, trying to gain some advantage over the proceedings. Ella Toone attempted a shot from distance but to no real avail.
Former Reds Russo was booed and almost drew first blood when he picked up a loose pitch, drove into space and fired a shot that went wide. Russo tried a few minutes later, this time with her right foot, but her effort flew just over the bar and deflected off Millie Turner.
Arsenal grew into the game and looked slightly better, especially in possession, but United were solid defensively and responded to most things asked of them.
The visitors went close again when Frida Maanum delivered a dangerous cross into a dangerous area. Turner took the opportunity and flicked it over his own crossbar. Two minutes later Turner made another vital clearance inside the six-yard area.
The match opened up a bit more and both sides looked like they were hurting the other. Elisabeth Terland had a good chance and Maanum also sent another shot over the bar.
Terland’s header from Celin Bizet’s cross was comfortably saved by Van Domselaar in the Arsenal goal. Both teams went down the tunnel down 0-0.
second half
Arsenal picked up where they left off and kept United out of the game. Most of Skinner’s players were trapped in their own half and struggling to get out. Terland cuts from the front to a frustrated and isolated character.
Russo fired another shot past Phallon Tullis-Joyce, but the United shot-stopper was up to the task. Lia Wälti also almost gave the Gunners the lead with a powerful effort but was thwarted.
With Arsenal pushing on, United needed the likes of Turner and Mayard Tissier to produce defensive heroics and they did not disappoint.
Around the 60th minute, Skinner brought on Jayde Riviere and Malard to replace a visibly upset Toone and Aoife Mannion.
Russo was finally rewarded for his efforts by converting a cutback from Fox. It was her first goal of the season. She didn’t celebrate too much to show her respect for her former team.
United were under a lot of pressure as they were sitting very deep. Skinner made further personnel changes, bringing in Geyse and Rachel Williams to replace Terland and Bizet.
Geyse made an immediate impact, winning a corner for United. She combined with fellow substitute Williams who rose highest to meet the ball before Malard headed it over the Arsenal goalkeeper, who had no chance at all.
https://twitter.com/BarclaysWSL/status/1853078608182489156
Looking in disbelief, Arsenal piled on the pressure in the final minutes, including in added time, but United held on for a valuable point.
The Reds’ next assignment is a home game against Aston Villa in a week’s time.
Featured Image Alex Livesey (Getty Images)
