Arsenal Secures Late Equaliser Against Chelsea, While Manchester United Suffers First Defeat

Alessia Russo’s dramatic equaliser in the 87th minute secured Arsenal a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, matching Chelsea’s Women’s Super League record of 33 unbeaten games.

The England striker found the net shortly after United States forward Alyssa Thompson had given Chelsea the lead with a remarkable solo effort. Chelsea threatened further with two shots hitting the woodwork from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Catarina Macario.

Sonia Bompastor, who took over as Chelsea’s head coach in May 2024, remains undefeated since her appointment.

Arsenal experienced frustration when striker Stina Blackstenius had a second-half goal disallowed due to a handball violation prior to her strike from a corner.

In another match, Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the Women’s Super League season, falling 1-0 to Aston Villa at Leigh Sports Village. Miri Taylor’s first-half goal proved decisive, marking United’s first loss in eight matches and preventing them from ascending to the top of the table.

Aston Villa extended their unbeaten streak to six matches across all competitions with this victory, claiming their second league win of the season. The game started slowly, with both teams struggling to create opportunities. United’s Fridolina Rolfö delivered a dangerous cross, but Villa defender Anna Patten effectively cleared the threat.

The first meaningful shot on target came from Villa, with Georgia Mullett’s weak attempt easily saved by United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Ten minutes before half-time, Taylor capitalised on a disorganized United defense following a corner, striking the ball past Tullis-Joyce to give Villa the lead.

In pursuit of an equaliser, United manager Marc Skinner introduced top goalscorer Melvine Malard, winger Leah Galton, and left-back Anna Sandberg early in the second half. Sandberg’s cross eventually found substitute Rachel Williams in a promising position, but her header was comfortably saved by Villa goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo, allowing the visitors to secure a surprising victory.