After Arsenal’s disappointing performance in Week 1 and Manchester United’s last-minute victory over Aston Villa, all eyes were fixed on the clash between Manchester United and Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village. In the previous season, Arsenal had endured heartbreak against Manchester United, witnessing two of their star players suffering torn ACL injuries.

The first half commenced with both teams struggling to build up their play. Geyse once again demonstrated her physical prowess, posing a significant threat to the Arsenal defense and midfield. In the 14th minute, Arsenal had an opportunity to counter when Lia Wälti initiated a pass from the defense to Alessia Russo. Russo skillfully maneuvered past a defender and set up Steph Catley, who delivered a precise pass along the line to a sprinting Stina Blackstenius. Blackstenius outpaced Hannah Blundell from the halfway line and calmly slotted the ball past Mary Earps into the back of the net, giving Arsenal the momentum they needed.

D’Angelo’s Mistake

However, in the 26th minute, a dangerous lofted ball from Manchester United’s defense over Arsenal’s backline saw Leah Galton sprinting forward with Sabrina D’Angelo rushing out of her goal area to clear the ball. Tragically, D’Angelo completely missed the ball, leaving Galton with an empty goal to easily secure the equalizer. Shortly after, a well-struck shot by Catley was saved by Mary Earps, but Arsenal’s high press was working effectively. In the 33rd minute, Arsenal got lucky as Jen Beattie escaped a card after a fierce duel with Geyse following a misplaced pass by Laia Codina. The referee played on, and shortly thereafter, a combination of excellent play from Kim Little, Wälti, and Catley gave Arsenal a chance with a dangerous delivery into the path of Blackstenius, but the opportunity was squandered by Russo. Just before halftime, Manchester United earned a corner, which Katie Zelem placed perfectly onto the head of Millie Turner, but she directed the ball wide.

The Second Half

At the start of the second half, Manchester United pressed for a second goal, and in the 49th minute, Geyse had a significant opportunity. Play swayed back and forth, and Jonas Eidevall seized the opportunity for a triple substitution. Katie McCabe came on for Codina, Foord replaced Blackstenius, and Frida Leonhardsen Maanum entered for Pelova. McCabe was quickly shown a yellow card (her second this season), followed by a yellow for Foord. One of the better opportunities in the second half arrived as Wälti, showcasing her agility (“Snakehips”), darted into the box, leaving defenders in her wake, but her pass failed to find Maritz. A few minutes later, Arsenal had another counter-attack opportunity as Foord, Russo, and Maanum broke through, but Maanum opted for a speculative 35-yard shot instead of passing out wide.

Manchester United made a couple of substitutions, introducing Rachel Williams, Malard, and Miyazawa. Immediately after, Russo struck the post for Arsenal. However, another defensive error in Arsenal’s backline, this time between D’Angelo and Amanda Ilestedt, allowed Malard to tap in Manchester United’s second goal. Arsenal found themselves under intense pressure once again, needing to salvage something from the game. Lotte Wubben-Moy replaced Jen Beattie, and Chloe Lacasse came on for Maritz. Arsenal continued to press hard, and while Wälti was cramping up, Maanum scored, but regrettably, she was in an offside position.

In the 91st minute, McCabe attempted a long-range shot, but her effort sailed over the bar. Just when it seemed that Arsenal might leave empty-handed, Wälti played a first-touch pass that found its way into Lacasse’s path. Lacasse cut inside and unleashed a spectacular left-footed screamer into the top corner, securing a well-deserved equalizer (2-2). With just three minutes left, Arsenal pushed for one final opportunity via Foord, but the match concluded in a 2-2 draw. For Arsenal, this outcome means they have only secured one point from two games. With Aston Villa set to visit the Emirates next week, the pressure mounts for a must-win game if they wish to maintain any realistic title hopes this season.