Arsenal and Manchester United's Women's Super League title aspirations suffered a significant blow as they played out a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium, a result that leaves both teams adrift of the league leaders.
Red Card Fails to Spark Breakthrough
The match, played in front of a crowd of 37,627, saw Manchester United play the final 25 minutes with ten players after defender Jayde Riviere was sent off for a second bookable offence, a late challenge on Caitlin Foord. Despite the numerical advantage, Arsenal could not find a way past a resilient United defence, with goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce making a crucial stoppage-time save to deny Victoria Pelova.
Champions League Race Tightens
The stalemate means Manchester City and Chelsea emerged as the weekend's real winners. City could move ten points clear of third-placed Arsenal if they beat Everton on Sunday, with United a point further back. With only ten games remaining, such a deficit appears a formidable challenge to overcome for Jonas Eidevall's side.
Arsenal have lost just once in the league this season, but this was their fifth draw, highlighting a recurring issue with converting dominance into victories. The match marked the WSL's return from the winter break but provided little warmth for the large crowd on a cold day in North London.
Key Moments and Debuts
United started brightly, with Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe making an excellent save to tip a Fridolina Rolfö header onto the crossbar. Arsenal then controlled much of the first half, with Kim Little spurning a golden chance in the 26th minute, shooting into the sidenetting from Katie McCabe's cut-back.
After Riviere's dismissal, the game was camped in United's defensive third. Tullis-Joyce saved well from Alessia Russo, and Little fired over before Pelova's late effort was kept out.
United manager Marc Skinner handed debuts to new signings Lea Schüller and Hanna Lundkvist as second-half substitutes. Arsenal also introduced debutant Smilla Holmberg, but none could alter the scoreline. The result leaves both teams acutely aware that at least one of the 'big four' will miss out on Champions League qualification this season.
