Manchester United Women are off the mark in the Women's Super League after a 1-1 draw away to Arsenal. Julia Zigiotti Olme's second-half strike was cancelled out by a 95th-minute equaliser from Arsenal's Smilla Holmberg, denying United a first win but delivering a vital point.
Eva Olid's side now sit 13th in the table with one point from their opening three matches. The result ends a run of two straight defeats and provides a foundation for the new manager's project. "After losing 5-0, the focus this week was the defensive shape, because I think the attack will come," Olid said after the match. "Implementing a new style of play needs time. But the effort, the hard work, the intensity, that can never be missing."
Defensive resolve pays off
The performance at the Emirates Stadium was a stark contrast to the 5-0 home loss to Chelsea the previous week. United were organised and disciplined, with goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce making key saves to deny Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord. Arsenal dominated possession but found clear chances hard to come by against a compact defensive unit.
The breakthrough came against the run of play in the 67th minute. Arsenal midfielder Georgia Stanway's error in possession was pounced upon, allowing Zigiotti Olme to finish clinically past Misa Rodríguez. It was United's second goal of the campaign, a sign of the attacking improvement Olid is seeking.
Late heartbreak at the Emirates
United looked set to hold on for a memorable victory until the final moments of stoppage time. Arsenal captain Leah Williamson launched a deep diagonal ball into the box, and substitute Holmberg arrived to steer a header beyond Tullis-Joyce. The home crowd erupted as United players sank to the turf, their hopes of a first win under Olid dashed in an instant.
Arsenal manager Renée Slegers was left frustrated by her team's failure to turn dominance into a win, a theme of their start to the season. "It's not ideal, it's not what we wanted at all, four lost points," Slegers admitted. "It's round three in the WSL, there are a lot of games left to play. Let's see in May how it ends."
The draw leaves United eight points behind early leaders Manchester City. With a goal difference of minus six, the immediate priority is building on this defensive solidity. The team's upcoming schedule, including a home game against West Ham, is available on our fixtures page. Olid emphasised that the hard work is just the starting point. "That is the minimum," she stated. "Now, from here, little-by-little, we will improve the attacking style."
Manchester United Women's next opportunity comes on Sunday, 27 September, when they host West Ham at Leigh Sports Village.
The original report is at The Guardian Football
