That’s all from me!
I’ll leave you with Sophie Downey’s match report. Thanks for reading!
Here’s how the table looks…
Arsenal are now just three points adrift of Chelsea and Manchester City at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Manchester United have dropped seven points behind the top three in a huge blow to their hopes of Champions League qualification.
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Women | 14 | 28 | 34 |
| 2 | Man City Women | 14 | 28 | 34 |
| 3 | Arsenal Women | 14 | 18 | 31 |
| 4 | Man Utd Women | 14 | 13 | 24 |
| 5 | Liverpool FC Women | 13 | -2 | 19 |
Arsenal winger Cloé Lacasse tells BBC Sport: “This was massive for us to come here with a sold-out Emirates, get the victory and keep us in contention. It’s a great way to lead into the international break.
“We knew we wanted to dominate physically, technically, emotionally. We kept our heads and once we got the goal I think we carried the momentum forward.
“Now going forward we’ll focus on ourselves, getting the three points. We’re in contention and we’ll keep fighting to the end to get those points.”
Arsenal set another WSL attendance record today, with 60,160 fans turning out at the Emirates Stadium. A monumental moment for the league and for women’s football.
Manchester United captain Katie Zelem tells Sky Sports: “We weren’t good enough today, it’s plain and simple. 3-0 down at half time you’ve got a mountain to climb. To score three goals in one half is pretty much impossible. We gave it a good go but our first half wasn’t good enough.”
Arsenal’s WSL title hopes have been reignited thanks to that huge win over Manchester United. Jonas Eidevall’s side needed to capitalise on Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City and they did just that in stunning style.
They are now just three points behind the top two with both teams still to play. This race has just been blown wide open.
Full Time - Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United
A statement win for Arsenal keeps their title hopes alive on a record-breaking day at the Emirates Stadium.
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90+9 min: Arsenal are just looking to keep the ball in the corner now while the clock ticks down. Just a few seconds remaining.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United (Garcia 96’)
The ball is crossed into the Arsenal penalty area, but D’Angelo completely misses the catch and it falls to García at the back post, who simply taps it into an empty net.
90+4 min: Lia looked as though she would be introduced in place of Wälti for the remainder of the game, but she has returned to the bench for the final stages.
90 min: Manchester United have a free kick on the edge of the box following a foul on Malard from Foord. The Arsenal winger is also booked for kicking the ball away. Nothing comes of the resulting free kick, but Wälti goes to ground following a clash of heads.
Six minutes have been added on…
88 min: Arsenal are just looking to see out this game in possession right now. Very comfortable on the ball and they are in no rush to go for a fourth.
84 min: Another substitution for Arsenal as Foord replaces Catley. The full-back appeared to be affected by a head injury before leaving the pitch, likely as a result of that last Manchester United attack.
82 min: A new record has been set. Arsenal have just announced that 60,160 spectators are in attendance at the Emirates Stadium today – another monumental milestone for the WSL.
80 min: Big chance for Manchester United as García breaks into the box. Catley attempts to head the ball clear but misses it and the United star dives in to get her shot way, but D’Angelo claims it.
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77 min: Another substitution, this time for Manchester United as Malard replaces Parris. The England star has enjoyed a prolific season so far, but she failed to hit the target against her former club.
75 min: Another two changes for Arsenal. Miedema is on to replace Little and Maanum replaces Mead. Two very strong changes from the hosts.
71 min: Chance for Manchester United now as Zelem picks up the ball in midfield. Toone takes over on the edge of the box and passes it wide to Parris, who goes for goal but her effort is off-target.
The visitors have also made another substitution, with Ladd replacing Naalsund.
68 min: Another big chance for Arsenal as Mead makes a positive run down the right before sending the ball through to Lacasse. The Canadian’s first touch takes her a bit too wide and Earps can get across to make the save.
67 min: Here she is… Russo is on to face her former club. She replaces Blackstenius up front.
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64 min: Manchester United have made another change. Williams is on to replace Geyse. The Manchester United forward was unlucky in the build-up to Arsenal’s opening goal and was given few opportunities in attack for the visitors.
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62 min: This is a defensive disaster from Manchester United! Lacasse sends the ball through to Blackstenius, who is given plenty of space to line up a shot. Earps makes herself big to save the effort, but the visitors fail to make the clearance.
The ball finds McCabe in the box, who sets it back to Mead. The winger goes for goal but her effort rattles the post! A huge let-off for Manchester United.
60 min: Arsenal have a corner. McCabe delivers it into the box but it runs straight through and past Cooney-Cross at the back. The midfielder chases the ball but it runs out of play.
58 min: McCabe receives the ball high up the pitch on the right and cuts back before sending a dangerous cross into the box. Blackstenius goes for it, but Earps gets just in front to make the save.
55 min: A lapse in concentration among the Manchester United squad sees the ball drift out of play. Catley immediately picks it up and looks to take the throw, but Arsenal fail to make the most of it.
52 min: Wubben-Moy’s clearance is intercepted by Geyse and the forward makes her way into the penalty area. She goes to cross the ball but Wubben-Moy gets recovers to block it.
50 min: Wubben-Moy is booked for a pull on Geyse. Manchester United have a free kick in midfield and look to keep possession, but they struggle to progress up the pitch.
49 min: The hosts continue to look very comfortable and confident on the ball. They look to break forward at pace in a sudden change of tempo, but Blackstenius is flagged offside.
Kick-off – Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United
We’re back under way at the Emirates Stadium!
Jonas Eidevall has just revealed to Sky Sports that Pelova picked up a “minor knock” before the break and will be replaced by Cooney-Cross for the second half.
Galton is also set to be introduced for Evans.
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Here’s a look at Arsenal’s second goal…
Well-worked from the hosts, but defensively disastrous for Manchester United.
Lacasse DOUBLES Arsenal's lead from close range ✅✅ pic.twitter.com/mtepY9XVY7
— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) February 17, 2024
Arsenal’s starting line-up raised a few eyebrows ahead of the match, but the changes Jonas Eidevall made have certainly paid off. The hosts have been very threatening on the attack, punishing Manchester United on several occasions.
Marc Skinner’s side now have a mountain to climb in the second half.
Half Time - Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United
The hosts have a comfortable lead at the break.
45+4 min: Mead makes a great run into the box before shooting from a tight angle and forcing a save from Earps. There is a brief scramble before Manchester United eventually make the clearance.
45+1 min: Four minutes have been added on. Arsenal are in cruise control.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United (Little 44’)
Little converts from the spot, sending Earps the wrong way by putting the ball neatly into the bottom-left corner.
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PENALTY Arsenal!
Evans takes a swipe at Mead in the box and gives away a penalty. No hesitation from the referee.
40 min: McCabe goes to ground following a tackle from Evans and appears to be in some pain. She doesn’t look happy with the challenge, but the referee takes no action. After receiving some treatment she is able to play on.
37 min: McCabe is shown a yellow card for a push on Toone. The full-back had received a few warnings from the referee but now she is in the book.
36 min: A very well-worked goal from Arsenal. McCabe kicks off the attack with a quick free kick in midfield. She sends the ball to Mead on the right, who waits for Pelova to make a run into the box. The midfielder squares it across goal to Blackstenius, but the striker misses the initial shot. Zelem then looks to make the clearance but it is a poor one and the ball goes straight to Lacasse, who heads it in at the far post!
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United (Lacasse 35’)
Lacasse hurts Manchester United once again, this time with a close-range header!
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34 min: Evans is next to receive a booking for a challenge on Mead in midfield. There is quite the battle developing between these two sides.
32 min: The referee gives Mead a talking to following a late challenge on Evans and Manchester United have a free kick in their own half. Arsenal continue to press high, but that leaves space for Geyse to run in behind. The forward receives the ball and works her way into the box, but Catley can clear for Arsenal.
28 min: Manchester United break forward once again, this time with Geyse leading the charge on the right. She works her way into the box, but Wubben-Moy gets back to make a phenomenal tackle – one that could’ve easily gone very wrong.
Arsenal look to clear but possession is lost in a dangerous area and the ball falls to Toone. The midfielder shoots but her effort deflects off Catley and runs narrowly past the post. Nothing comes of the resulting set-piece.
27 min: Blundell is booked for a challenge on Lacasse and Arsenal have a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the box. Mead steps up to take it, but her effort flies over the crossbar.
25 min: Manchester United break forward and García goes head-to-head with McCabe. The forward outmuscles McCabe before sliding the ball through her legs with excellent skill, but her cross is intercepted.
21 min: Aside from two early hiccups from Codina, Arsenal have been brilliant so far and they are posing a real threat to the United defence.
Blackstenius is sent through on goal and has plenty of space to shoot, but Turner gets back to make another block.
17 min: Huge chance for Arsenal as Mead receives the ball in the penalty area. She shifts it onto her left foot before curling it towards the top-left corner, but Turner is there to block the shot with her head.
The hosts have a corner which is sent straight into the box by Catley, Wubben-Moy is there but she misses the header and the ball runs out of danger.
16 min: That Geyse own goal has actually been given as a Le Tissier own goal. The defender was the last player to touch the ball – quite harsh as it appeared to skim her knee, but there is no changing the decision now.
Updated
15 min: Eidevall’s tactical changes appear to have paid off so far. Arsenal have looked incredibly dangerous on the attack and Manchester United are struggling to handle them.
11 min: McCabe steps up to take a corner and puts the ball into a very dangerous area. It bounces off Geyse and rolls straight into the net. Arsenal lead!
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Manchester United (Geyse OG 10')
The hosts lead through a Geyse own goal!
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7 min: Good chance for Arsenal as Pelova picks the ball up in midfield and sends a fantastic pass over to Mead on the right. Mead looks to cross it, but Manchester United can make the clearance. Much better from the hosts.
6 min: Arsenal look to play out from the back as Codina passes the ball to McCabe on the right. The full-back sends a first-time pass to Mead, who sends Blackstenius through, but Earps gets to the ball first.
3 min: Codina faces pressure again, this time from Geyse, and she gives away a free kick by pulling back the striker. Zelem delivers it, D’Angelo spills it but Arsenal are awarded a free kick.
1 min: A nervy start for Arsenal as a poor back-pass from Codina forces D’Angelo to come out and tackle Parris on the edge of the penalty area. The Manchester United attacker wins a free kick as a result and it is sent straight into the box, but Arsenal make the clearance.
Updated
Kick-off
Here we go! Manchester United get us under way at the Emirates Stadium!
The teams are out. This record-breaking Emirates Stadium crowd is in full voice. Kick-off is just a few minutes away!
The WSL title race was blown right open last night when Manchester City beat Chelsea 1-0 at Kingsmeadow. Emma Hayes’ side had not lost at home in 22 games, but a composed first-half finish from Bunny Shaw left the reigning champions stunned.
Manchester City are now level on points with Chelsea and only trail them on goal difference. But if Arsenal win today, they will find themselves right back in contention.
A huge afternoon of WSL action awaits!
Don’t hesitate to email in this afternoon with your thoughts, feelings, score predictions and opinions.
Who did and didn’t deserve to be in the England squad? Will Arsenal avenge last season’s Emirates Stadium defeat to United? Will Alessia Russo come on and score against her former club? Will we see a badge tap? Or will Marc Skinner’s side stun this record home crowd into silence?
So many questions! So much at stake! Stick with us, you won’t want to miss this!
Sarina Wiegman named her first England squad of 2024 this week, with one significant returnee and one huge omission.
Captain Leah Williamson returns to the squad for the first time in 10 months, having already worked her way back into Arsenal’s first team squad. Williamson has impressed for Jonas Eidevall’s side on her return from an ACL injury and Wiegman is confident that she will ease straight back into camp. The England manager said: “It’s really nice, especially for her. She’s back, she’s gaining minutes at Arsenal and doing well. They are happy with where she is and it will be nice to see her back next week in camp next week.
“She’s a very good player, we’ve seen that too. Even though she’s been out for months, her decision making is really good even as she is still building. The team stepped up [without her] but it’s good to have her back.”
Meanwhile, in-form Nikita Parris has been left out. The forward has scored seven goals in six games since the start of the year, but Wiegman suggests that she needs to remain consistent for the remainder of the season. She added: “Of course, the competition up front is really high and in autumn she didn’t play that much. Because of the competition too we made other decisions. Now since the new year she’s played in the nine position and she’s done really well. Of course we have noticed that too. So I had a little chat with her and I hope she shows consistency because we are talking about her again.”
Leah Williamson has been left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad due to a “minor hamstring injury”, the club have confirmed. Amanda Ilestedt is also absent, but through illness.
Jonas Eidevall has switched up his attack dramatically ahead of this afternoon’s match. Blackstenius replaces Russo in the No9 position while Lacasse starts in place of Foord on the left. Mead keeps her spot on the other wing. The Arsenal manager appears to have set his team up with the aim of attacking at pace and exploiting the space behind the Manchester United defence, but will it work?
Arsenal fans, what do you think?
Team news
Arsenal XI: Sabrina D’Angelo, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina, Katie McCabe, Steph Catley, Victoria Pelova, Lia Wälti, Kim Little (C), Cloé Lacasse, Stina Blackstenius, Beth Mead. Subs: Manuela Zinsberger, Sarah Bouhaddi, Katie Reid, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Frida Maanum, Caitlin Foord, Vivianne Miedema, Alessia Russo, Vivienne Lia.
Manchester United XI: Mary Earps, Maya Le Tissier, Hannah Blundell, Millie Turner, Gemma Evans, Katie Zelem (C), Lisa Naalsund, Ella Toone, Lucía García, Geyse, Nikita Parris. Subs: Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Aoife Mannion, Alyssa Aherne, Leah Galton, Irene Guerrero, Hayley Ladd, Melvine Malard, Rachel Williams.
Preamble
Hello hello and welcome to coverage of today’s historic WSL clash between Arsenal and Manchester United.
The two Champions League chasers will go head-to-head in front of a capacity Emirates Stadium crowd this afternoon. For the first time in WSL history Arsenal have completely sold out the 60,704-seater stadium, meaning another attendance record will be set in North London.
Both teams are targeting the same goal at this point in the season - Champions League qualification. As always, only the top three WSL teams have a shot at European football and with Chelsea and Manchester City expected to occupy two spots, Arsenal and United will likely battle it out for the third.
A win today will see Jonas Eidevall’s side pull seven points clear of Manchester United, but victory for Marc Skinner and his players will see the gap narrow to just one point.
Kick Off is at 12:30pm GMT.
