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Manchester United grabbed a late equaliser to make sure they got a share of the points in their 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday.
Former United striker Alessia Russo broke the deadlock moments after the hour mark, getting on the end of a cut-back to find the back of the net.
It looked like United were headed for a first defeat of the WSL season but substitute Melvine Malard scored a scrappy goal to ensure the spoils were shared.
Marck Skinner’s side have now managed three wins and two draws from their opening five fixtures.
First-half
Arsenal started more confidently on the ball, moving it around well as they sought to assert some dominance on proceedings. Ella Toone attempted a shot from distance but it didn’t really amount to anything.
Former Red, Russo, found herself on the end of some boos and she nearly came close to shedding first blood when she picked up a loose throw, drove into space and fired a shot that dragged just wide. Russo was at it a few minutes later, this time with her right foot but her effort flew just over the bar, deflecting off Millie Turner.
Arsenal grew into the game and looked slightly better, especially in possession but United were firm defensively and had a response for most of what was asked of them.
The visitors came close again, with Frida Maanum delivering a dangerous cross into the danger area. Turner took no chance and flicked it over her own crossbar. Two minutes later, Turner produced another crucial clearance in the six-yard area.
The match opened up a bit more and both sides looked to hurt the other. Elisabeth Terland had a good-headed chance while 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 with the score at 0-0.
Second-half
Arsenal picked up where they left off, ensuring United didn’t get into the match. Skinner’s players were mostly pinned back inside their own half and struggled to get out. Terland cut a frustrated and isolated figure up front.
Russo aimed another shot at Phallon Tullis-Joyce but the United shot-stopper was equal to the task. Lia Wälti also came close to giving the Gunners the lead with a powerful effort but she was thwarted.
With Arsenal pushing, United needed the likes of Turner and Maya Le Tissier to come up with some heroic pieces of defending and neither disappointed.
At around the 60th minute, Skinner brought on Jayde Riviere and Malard to replace a visibly angry Toone and Aoife Mannion.
Russo finally got a reward for her hard work, converting a cut-back by Fox. It was her first goal of the season. She didn’t celebrate too much, mostly likely as a show of respect for her former team.
United remained under a lot of pressure as they sat very deep. Skinner made further personnel changes, bringing on Geyse and Rachel Williams for Terland and Bizet.
Geyse had an instant impact as she won a corner for United. She combined with fellow substitute Williams, who rose highest to meet the ball before Malard flicked it in with the top of her head past the Arsenal goalkeeper who simply had no chance.
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In clear disbelief, Arsenal ramped up the pressure in the final minutes including added time but United held on for a valuable point.
The next assignment for the Reds is a home clash against Aston Villa in a week’s time.
Featured Image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
