Arsenal Women needed a 94th-minute Smilla Holmberg equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.
Julia Zigiotti punished a defensive mistake to put United ahead midway through the second half and leave Renée Slegers’ side staring at their first Women’s Super League defeat of the season.
Arsenal pushed desperately for a response but looked set to come up short until Leah Williamson’s lofted delivery found Holmberg at the far post.
The substitute finished from close range to rescue a point deep into stoppage time.
Holmberg fires it home 🔥#BarclaysWSL @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/WgmaMtRjo7
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) September 19, 2026
Arsenal struggle to turn pressure into goals
Slegers made an aggressive selection before kick-off, starting Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius together as Arsenal looked to rediscover their attacking edge.
That decision followed last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, when the Gunners produced 30 attempts without finding the net.
Our confirmed Arsenal Women lineup against Manchester United reflected the attacking intent behind Slegers’ selection.
Arsenal again had promising moments during the opening half.
Olivia Smith caused problems on the right, while Russo found herself in several dangerous positions.
United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce remained alert, however, and Arsenal could not find the decisive touch.
The pattern was uncomfortably familiar after Slegers had spent the week working on the final-third problems exposed against Crystal Palace.
Zigiotti punishes Arsenal mistake
United eventually capitalised in the 67th minute.
Georgia Stanway underhit a pass towards Steph Catley and Zigiotti reacted quickest.
The midfielder stole possession, drove clear and fired a low finish beyond Misa Rodríguez to silence much of the Emirates Stadium.
The Guardian’s live match coverage described the goal as coming directly from the mix-up between Stanway and Catley.
It left Arsenal chasing the game.
Slegers responded from the bench, introducing Kim Little, Caitlin Foord, Chloe Kelly and Holmberg as the Gunners increased the pressure.
United continued to defend stubbornly, with Tullis-Joyce particularly important as Arsenal searched for an equaliser.
Holmberg rescues Arsenal in stoppage time
Time appeared to have run out.
Arsenal continued pushing into six minutes of added time but struggled to create the clear opening they needed.
Then came the breakthrough.
Williamson lifted a superb ball towards the far post in the 94th minute and Holmberg arrived to convert from close range.
It was a dramatic rescue act from the substitute and ensured Arsenal’s long WSL unbeaten sequence remained intact.
We had looked before kick-off at what was at stake for Arsenal’s unbeaten run, and Holmberg ensured it survived in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Arsenal drop more WSL points
The late equaliser will feel significantly better than defeat.
It should not completely disguise another frustrating league performance.
Arsenal have now followed their opening victory over Brighton with successive draws against Crystal Palace and Manchester United.
Slegers’ side again had enough attacking talent on the pitch to expect more than one goal.
Starting Russo and Blackstenius together did not immediately provide the solution.
Arsenal now turn their attention to European competition before travelling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea next weekend.
The immediate task for Slegers is finding a way to turn territorial pressure and attacking depth into significantly more goals.
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