Women’s Super League Highlights: Arsenal Stages Late Comeback, Manchester United Suffers First Defeat

Alessia Russo’s late equalizer secured Arsenal a well-deserved 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, allowing Chelsea to match their Women’s Super League record of 33 games unbeaten.

The England striker found the net in the 87th minute after United States forward Alyssa Thompson had given Chelsea an early lead with a superb solo goal.

The visitors came close to extending their lead, hitting the woodwork twice through Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Catarina Macario. Sonia Bompastor has yet to suffer a defeat as Chelsea’s manager since taking over from Emma Hayes in May 2024.

Arsenal were left frustrated when striker Stina Blackstenius had a second-half effort disallowed, as she was deemed to have handled the ball prior to scoring from a corner.

In another match, Manchester United experienced 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, condemning United to their first loss after 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, securing their second league victory of the season.

United aimed for a quick start, with Fridolina Rolfö delivering a threatening cross into the box, but Villa defender Anna Patten successfully cleared the danger.

Both teams struggled to create quality chances in the first half, with Villa’s first shot on target being a tame effort from Georgia Mullett that was easily handled by United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

However, ten minutes before halftime, Taylor delivered a moment of brilliance, taking advantage of a corner that United failed to clear, striking a bouncing ball past Tullis-Joyce to give the visitors the lead.

In pursuit of an equalizer after the break, United’s manager Marc Skinner introduced top WSL goalscorer Melvine Malard, winger Leah Galton, and left-back Anna Sandberg early in the second half.

Sandberg’s cross offered fellow substitute Rachel Williams a chance to score in the closing moments, but her header was comfortably saved by Villa goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo, ensuring the visitors held on for a surprise victory.