Arsenal and Manchester United share points following a 0-0 draw

The return of the WSL saw the fight for second place between Arsenal and Manchester United, with the teams sitting 3^rd and 4^th retrospectively before the midday kick off, however neither team could take the opportunity with the game ending in a draw.  

📸via arsenal.com

First half:  

Manchester United started the game with high intensity and purpose, forcing Arsenal into an early defensive stance due to an early shot from Rolfo (assisted by Park) needing to be tipped onto the bar by Arsenal goalkeeper Borbe. Man United continued to control possession and play the game at their pace, leading to another bright spark from Park drove forward and around defenders before eventually losing possession.  

Arsenal stepped up their play, with Smith leading Arsenal’s first attack of the game. As the crowd found their voice, Arsenal found their rhythm as the possession and momentum shifted their way. Caldentey sparked hope from the crowd as she showed off some skillful footwork, but her shot flew over the bar.

Mead led another attack soon after with her cross deflected, but their attack didn’t end here, with it eventually leading to a corner however nothing came of of it. A hard, low cross from Russo saw Tullis-Joyce almost beaten as Smith tried to help it over the line, however the Manchester goalkeeper made herself big to keep it 0-0.  

Arsenal controlled the game as the half progressed, with corners after corners, and shots after shots, a complete turn around from how the game started. A McCabe corner caused more worry for the United defence, but no Arsenal player could convert it. After an unsuccessful corner, Arsenal decided to switch it and go short for the next one, with a cut back from McCabe leading to a shot that skimmed the post from captain Little.  

Manchester United struggled to break clear, with Arsenal constantly piling on the pressure and the attacks. Arsenal’s midfield work denied every United counter-attack opportunities. Rolfo did fire a cross into the box during a rare attack for the Manchester side, however Malard was unable to react in time, and United’s promising moment died down.  

Despite Arsenal’s control and increasing pressure in the closing stages, the first half ended goalless, demonstrating United’s resilient defending and strong goalkeeping as opposed to a lack of effort from the Gunners.   

Second half: 

Manchester United came out stronger after half-time, after what seemed to be a much needed half time talk. They looked more expansive early on and worked the ball through Arsenal’s midfield well, leading to a long- rage strike by Malard which went wide.  

United’s early momentum was halted though when defender Riviere saw red in the 66^th minute due to a second yellow for a late tackle on Arsenal’s Foord.  

Following this, Arsenal pressed for a breakthrough and dominated possession, creating multiple chances. Maanum had a shot that drifted wide, followed by a shot from Caldentey which was denied. 

Schuller and Lundkvist came off the bench for the Red Devils with hope to seal the win for United, making their first appearances for the club. Despite these changes, Arsenal kept attacking, with Tullis-Joyce producing several key saves to deny the Gunners. She stopped efforts from vey close range as Arsenal continued to press.  

Wave after wave of Arsenal attack, United had a late opportunity deep into stoppage time, but they had an off target shot. That was the last real attack of the game with it ending with the points shared in a goalless draw, keeping both teams where they started the weekend.