Manchester United brought the game to Arsenal on Wednesday night, Alessia Russo gave the hosts the lead heading into the break. Her first touch finish at the penalty spot came from Nikita Parris’s pull back which dismantled the Arsenal defence.
The win gives United their first double over the North London side and a four point cushion in the Women’s Super League table standings, Arsenal stay third on equal points with Manchester City in fourth, while Chelsea trail United with two games in hand. No longer considered the underdogs against these top opponents, United played with the knowledge that a win was in the air.
Marc Skinner's side were first to the ball, working off one-touch proactive movements in complete contrast to their rusty performance against Brighton just days before. Definitely the hungrier side throughout the entire 90 minutes, they also possessed the uncanny ability to read each Arsenal attack and remain one step ahead.
Arsenal increased pressure at the hour mark but to no avail, credit to the visitors who went unphased by a potential injury blow to Leah Williamson within the opening 15 minutes of play.
Player ratings
Mary Earps - Not had much to do, sprayed the ball out efficiently as the fifth defender. Her first save came just before the break. Confident punch out of a busy box and confident claims in the second half. 8
Ona Batlle - Got straight into the game with a killer run in the early minutes, with a dangerous pullback for Katie Zelem to capitalise. Such a threat in attack 8
Aoife Mannion - Solid start for the newly rotated centre-back, her energy and strength to stand the ball up was a great help to slow down the Arsenal attack. Impressed with her quick pass and move to work around the Arsenal attack with Blundell, a quality she possesses over Millie Turner. Fantastic comeback for the centre-back. POTM 9
Hannah Blundell - Worked well with Manion while also trusting herself to get more attacking. Delivered good balls to Leah Galton down the flank to no avail until taking a wallop in the first half, she had a quieter second. 7
Ella Toone - Dummied Leah Williamson's early doors and opened up so much space in the middle of the park, shows up for big occasion games and got involved all over. 7
Katie Zelem © - Set piece delivery maestro, queen of the long balls and switched the play effortlessly all over the field.8
Leah Galton - Chased every single ball on that left flank but didn’t see much of the ball, quiet game for Galton. 6
Hayley Ladd - Another player that is integral to the United’s middle of the park. Her link-up play was fantastic and had the confidence to play the long forward ball as much as the triangle play with smaller passes. Fantastic performance. 8
Maya Le Tissier - Quiet opening half, did her job working around Manion and pushed the ball forward to initiate an attack down the right flank. 7
Nikita Parris - Was frustrated within two minutes of play with an intercepted through ball. Every time she got the ball, it was a full-pelt run into space which led to United’s 1-0 lead. 7
Alessia Russo - Energy-train up top closing down the Gunners' defensive line and winning possession several times. Broke a stalemate just before the break. 8
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