More than 40,000 fans watched on under the floodlights in North London as Alessia Russo’s 91st-minute winner saw Manchester United defeat Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium to end the club’s 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Two second half goals from the home side cancelled out Ella Toone’s first half effort with Frida Maanum and Laura Wienroither netting for Arsenal. However, two late goals from the visitors meant that it was Manchester United who took all three points.
It was a steady start for both sides with Arsenal winning two early corners in quick succession, both providing no threat to the visitors’ goal.
Manchester United’s Leah Galton had the first of chance of the game. Charging down the left, the player found the space to get her shot away but she could only force a good save from Arsenal keeper Manuela Zinsberger.
The visitors continued to pile on the pressure with set pieces proving difficult for the home side to cope with as a defensive unit.
Arsenal gradually began to settle into the game and find their rhythm but they were yet to have a shot on target by the 20th-minute mark. The visitors certainly looked more comfortable in possession but chances from both sides were lacking as both sets of fans urged their players to get forward.
Former Arsenal winger Nikita Parris fancied her chances against her old club but her powerful effort deflected over the bar, much to the frustration of the 28-year-old. Parris was later involved in a penalty appeal as she appeared to fall to the ground following a collision with Katie McCabe but referee Kirsty Dowle waved away the claims.
Many may have thought that the game was going to enter the break goalless but Toone had other ideas. The ball was played in by Hayley Ladd down the right-hand side and with nobody marking her, Toone was able to strike her effort home from close range.
Jonas Eidevall’s side needed to change something if they were to find a way back into the game and whatever was said at half-time worked because not even a minute into the second period and Maanum equalised for the Gunners. The in-form midfielder charged through Manchester United’s midfield and an awkward bounce off a deflection meant that Mary Earps had no chance of saving her effort.
Arsenal took control of the second half and progressed forward very well but they were lacking that final ball that would have allowed them to create major chances. However, the North Londoners weren’t done as substitute Vivianne Miedema charged towards goal with the ball. She played the ball to Caitlin Foord who delivered the perfect pass into Wienroither for the Austrian international to power home her first goal in red and white.
Manchester United equalised in the 85th minute through a Katie Zelem free-kick. The set piece from outside of the box met the head of Millie Turner who directed the ball home from close range to level the score.
Alessia Russo was to be the hero of the evening for The Red Devils as in the 91st minute, she connected with the ball from a corner and headed in to give her side the win on their first-ever visit to the Emirates Stadium.
Tonight’s result leaves Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea all level on points at the top of the Barclays Women’s Super League table. The Gunners remain top of the table on goal difference.
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