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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Lacey-Hatton

Manchester United player ratings as Russo and Zelem star in comeback win over WSL leaders Arsenal

Manchester United pulled off a sensational win at Arsenal in the WSL, after Alessia Russo’s 90th-minute goal completed a dramatic comeback.

United had trailed until the closing stages before headers from defender Millie Turner and England forward Russo, from a late Katie Zelem corner, turned a pulsating encounter upside down. Ella Toone had opened the scoring for Marc Skinner’s side, but Arsenal had looked to have turned things around with goals from Frida Maanum and Laura Wienroither.

But United fought back in the closing stages to claim all three points on their very first visit to the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of Millie Turner's 85th-minute header and Russo’s timely winner.

READ MORE: Full details of United's sensational comeback win over Arsenal

Player Ratings

Mary Earps - Could do nothing about the two Arsenal goals, one a freak goal, one a fine finish. Looked solid in possession and helped United build from the back in the first-half. 7

Ona Batlle - A solid enough return to the team for the full-back who contributed in attack. Energetic and committed display highlighted by some firm challenges on Caitlin Foord. 6

Hannah Blundell - Had to deal with the Brunt of Earps’ communication in the first half for not getting the ball forward quickly enough. But Blundell was brave on the ball and will have pleased Skinner with her contribution. 6

Millie Turner - An all-action performance from the centre-half who headed home a superb equaliser five minutes from time. Was colossal at the back and had already come close to scoring in the first half when United were in complete control. 9

Maya Le Tissier - Hugely unfortunate to deflect the Arsenal equaliser beyond Earps. Kept the ball well and showed the composure that has seen her become part of the England side in recent weeks. 6

Hayley Ladd - Provided the cross for the opener, but was a constant threat long before that. Gave Arsenal a torrid time from the off with her change of direction and pace. An excellent night’s work topped off by creating Toone’s goal. 8

Katie Zelem (C) - Quite simply the difference in a close game. Manager Skinner said afterwards he expects her to produce in the big moments. Her two set-pieces turned the game around but even before then she controlled the midfield. 9

Ella Toone - Found space at the back post to break the deadlock and was always involved in the first-half counter-attacks that left Arsenal looking vulnerable. 7

Nikita Parris - A positive display from the England forward against her old club. Linked-up well with England colleagues Russo and Toone, and volleyed just over the bar in the first-half. Was substituted with ten minutes to play but it was still a good outing for Parris. 7

Alessia Russo - Played like a player determined to prove she is back to full fitness. Constantly harried the Arsenal backline, drawing fouls and making her presence felt. It looked like she wouldn’t get the goal her display deserved, until her superb finish in injury time to send the away end ecstatic. 8

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