Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal: Spoils shared in wasteful draw

Manchester United and Arsenal both missed the chance to go top of the Women’s Super League after a 0-0 draw at Leigh Sports Village.

The teams had both won their opening two matches of the campaign, but neither could find a late winner to maintain their perfect starts.

The in-form Melvine Malard started strongly, seeing a shot parried after just 35 seconds by Daphne van Domselaar, who also recovered from a spill to smother another attempt from the Frenchwoman shortly after.

Arsenal came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute, as Olivia Smith’s long-range strike was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by an acrobatic Phallon Tullis-Joyce stop.

Caitlin Foord also fizzed wide as Arsenal ended the first half strongly, while Frida Maanum almost made an instant impact after her 68th-minute introduction, only to fire off-target, much to Tullis-Joyce’s relief.

United tried to make a grandstand finish, with Ella Toone trying her luck from range, only to curl wide of Van Domselaar’s near post.

The points are shared at @LSVStadium pic.twitter.com/GxouYGt2mb

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) September 21, 2025

Data Debrief: United come unstuck against Arsenal again

United have now failed to win any of their last five WSL meetings with Arsenal (D3 L2), a run that dates back to April 2023.

The Red Devils’ home form always ensured Arsenal would be in for a tricky test though, as United have only lost one of their last 13 such league games (W8 D4).

It was ultimately a match short of goalmouth action. The hosts managed just seven shots (three on target) to Arsenal’s eight (one on target). The Gunners’ chances only amounted to 0.52 expected goals (xG), with United marginally better at 0.8.