Manchester United Women were denied a first Women’s Super League win of the season by a stoppage-time Arsenal equaliser at Emirates Stadium.
Julia Zigiotti Olme punished an Arsenal defensive error to put Eva Olid’s side ahead in the second half before Smilla Holmberg rescued a 1-1 draw for the hosts deep into added time.
The result was still a major improvement from United after the 5-0 defeat against Chelsea, with Olid’s side defending with significantly more discipline.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce was outstanding, while Maya Le Tissier and Dominique Janssen helped United come within seconds of a clean sheet.
Our full account can be found in the Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd Women match report.
Here are our Manchester United Women player ratings.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce – 9
Outstanding.
Tullis-Joyce produced the type of goalkeeper performance United desperately needed after conceding five against Chelsea.
She denied Stina Blackstenius with an excellent first-half save before producing further stops as Arsenal increased the pressure.
Her reflex save from Caitlin Foord was particularly important and she later dealt with Chloe Kelly’s powerful effort.
Post-match analysis credited Tullis-Joyce with six saves as United came within moments of a huge away win. (thebusbybabe.sbnation.com)
Could do very little about the eventual equaliser.
United’s standout player.
Hanna Lundkvist – 7.5
A much more assured performance than against Chelsea.
Lundkvist spent long periods defending as Arsenal pushed their full-backs forward but rarely looked overwhelmed.
Stayed disciplined and helped United keep Arsenal away from the most dangerous central spaces.
Maya Le Tissier – 8
This was the captain’s response.
Le Tissier endured a brutal afternoon against Chelsea last weekend but looked far more composed at Emirates Stadium.
Organised the defence well, attacked crosses and helped United survive sustained Arsenal pressure during the closing stages.
A performance much closer to the level expected from her.
Dominique Janssen – 8
Calm and experienced throughout.
Janssen read danger well and repeatedly helped United clear the first ball when Arsenal increased their attacking numbers.
United’s defensive improvement from the Chelsea player ratings was enormous, and Janssen was central to that.
Anna Sandberg – 8
One of United’s biggest defensive moments belonged to Sandberg.
The Sweden international produced a crucial goal-line intervention to prevent Alessia Russo from equalising during Arsenal’s second-half pressure.
Worked tirelessly down her side and showed far greater defensive discipline than United managed collectively last weekend.
Hinata Miyazawa – 7.5
Important without attracting the same attention as the defenders.
Miyazawa helped protect United’s back line and competed well as Arsenal attempted to establish control centrally.
Rarely overcomplicated possession and gave Olid’s side valuable composure.
Julia Zigiotti Olme – 8.5
A huge response after a difficult opening to the season.
Zigiotti reacted immediately when Georgia Stanway’s pass towards Steph Catley fell short, stealing possession before racing through and finishing beyond Misa Rodríguez.
The Guardian highlighted how sharply she reacted to punish Arsenal’s mistake. (theguardian.com)
It was almost the goal that delivered Olid’s first league victory.
Also worked relentlessly without the ball throughout an extremely demanding midfield battle.
Jess Park – 7
Far more effective within United’s compact structure.
Park gave the visitors an outlet when they regained possession and worked hard to prevent Arsenal building comfortably from midfield.
Did not create a huge amount going forward, but her tactical discipline was valuable.
Simi Awujo – 6.5
Earned the start after being brought into the confirmed United XI against Arsenal.
Worked hard and gave United athleticism during the opening stages.
Her influence on the ball was relatively limited before Rebeca Bernal replaced her early in the second half.
Andrea Medina – 7
Another encouraging display.
Medina had to deal with plenty of pressure as Arsenal increasingly attacked wide areas.
Held up reasonably well before being withdrawn late on, when Olid added fresh legs to protect the lead.
Elisabeth Terland – 6
A difficult assignment.
United spent considerable periods without possession, leaving Terland isolated against Arsenal’s centre-backs.
She pressed willingly and tried to provide an outlet when United cleared their lines, but genuine scoring opportunities were scarce.
Replaced by Lea Schüller after United went ahead.
Substitutes
Rebeca Bernal – 7
Introduced for Awujo and helped United protect the middle of the pitch.
Added experience and physicality during the period when Arsenal began increasing the pressure.
Lea Schüller – 6.5
Replaced Terland and worked hard during a game which increasingly became about defending United’s lead.
Had little opportunity to threaten Arsenal’s goal but provided fresh energy from the front.
Mared Griffiths – N/A
Introduced late for Medina as Olid attempted to see the game out.
Did not play long enough for a meaningful rating.
United finally show signs of Olid progress
The late equaliser will hurt.
United were seconds away from transforming a difficult opening fortnight into a major victory against one of the WSL’s strongest sides.
But the performance represented genuine progress.
After conceding seven goals across the opening two league games, United defended with organisation, aggression and far greater belief.
Arsenal still generated chances, but Tullis-Joyce and the players in front of her repeatedly stood up to the pressure.
United finally have their first league point under Olid.
The challenge now is making this defensive improvement the new standard rather than a one-off reaction.
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