Malard frustrates improving Arsenal after Russo's Opener

Marc Skinner, the Manchester United head coach, admitted his team rode their luck as they struck late to maintain their unbeaten start to the Women's Super League campaign with a draw against an improving Arsenal side who produced arguably their best display of the campaign.

- Tom Garry

The more frustrated looks on the faces of the Arsenal players, supporters and staff at full time summed up the visitors' control of large parts of the second half, after the France forward Melvine Malard's goal eight minutes from time denied them their third win from three games under the interim head coach, Renee Slegers.

Earlier, the former United striker Alessia Russo had haunted her old club with a second-half goal to put the visitors in front. It was only the second goal United have conceded so far this season. Russo was booed by the home fans on her second appearance back at Leigh Sports Village since her 2023 free transfer to Arsenal, and went close to another goal with a header soon afterwards.

The introduction of the England forward Beth Mead as a half-time substitute shifted the balance of the match in Arsenal's favour. Yet, later in the game, it was the hosts' substitutes who were key to finding the leveller, as Rachel Williams flicked on for Malard to head in.