We’re already a third of the way through the Women’s Super League season, and the league table is starting to show clear gaps. Teams are either clinging to the top spots or desperately fighting to keep their campaigns alive. This weekend served up plenty of drama, but one match stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Game of the Weekend: Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Our pick for the Women’s Football Blog Game of the Weekend was the thrilling showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal on Sunday. Fresh off the international break, Arsenal came out strong, displaying a level of confidence that had been missing in earlier games. Alessia Russo led the line with intent, taking bold shots rather than opting for safer plays. Caitlin Foord was a standout on the wing, while Lia Wälti once again proved why she’s one of the best midfielders in the WSL, controlling the tempo from the center.

Arsenal’s strategy was clear: maintain a high tempo and break down Manchester United’s defenses. For most of the game, they succeeded, keeping United’s players at bay and far from their own goal. Yet, despite their dominance in the first half, they couldn’t find the crucial breakthrough. Russo and Frida Leonhardsen-Maanum both had decent chances, but neither could convert.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 63rd minute when a sublime pass from Laia Codina Caldentey found Jessica Fox in the box. Fox delivered a low cross into the path of Russo, who slotted it home to give Arsenal a well-deserved lead. The Gunners pushed for a second, coming agonizingly close when Wälti’s curling effort struck the post. However, the substitution of Stina Blackstenius for Russo in the 78th minute proved costly. Arsenal lost their ability to hold the ball up front, allowing Manchester United to claw their way back into the game.

United capitalized on a set-piece opportunity in the 87th minute. A corner kick saw Melvine Malard head home from close range, with Arsenal keeper Daphne van Domselaar impeded by her own defender. The decision to have Kim Little, one of the shortest players on the pitch, mark Malard, a dominant aerial threat, raised eyebrows and questions.

Final Whistle: Mixed Feelings

The match ended in a 1-1 draw. For Manchester United, it felt like a point earned, a testament to their resilience. For Arsenal, however, it was a case of two points dropped. Despite a much-improved performance, the Gunners were left ruing missed opportunities and a late defensive lapse. Still, there’s a silver lining for Arsenal fans: the team looks to be heading in the right direction, and their best may yet be to come. 

What were the other results of week 6 of the WSL?