“They were clinical in their chances, we weren’t,” – How Arsenal stole three points from Manchester United Women

Arsenal hosted Manchester United in a Friday night fixture at Meadow Lane in a critical match for both sides. Both Arsenal and Manchester United have fallen behind in the title race for the FA Women’s Super League, but this meeting is important to determine who will get the FAWSL spot for next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal has struggled this season in key matches, claiming only one point from an available 15. Their struggles in these matches account for their 15 point deficit behind league leaders Chelsea LFC coming into this fixture.

Manchester United came into this match with a six-point lead on Arsenal for the third and final UWCL spot, but the visitors have struggled for consistency this year. They are attempting to secure European football for the first time since the team’s inception, but have missed some key personnel. A big miss has been Tobin Heath, who suffered a leg injury in early January that has ruled her out for at least three months. United hoped to replicate their previous meeting in November when they were able to secure a 1-0 victory with an 83^rd minute goal by Ella Toone.

Lineup

Arsenal coach Joseph Montemurro has continued to use the 4-1-4-1 that has allowed Arsenal to win their last three matches, including a 4-0 victory over Birmingham City LFC 12 days earlier. Arsenal is suffering several key injuries, particularly in defence, which forced some of the three changes in personnel. Both of their first-choice centre-backs, Leah Williamson and Jennifer Beattie, are on the sidelines with injury. These injuries caused a shuffling of the hosts midfield. Lia Wälti moved from midfield to centre-back,  partnering with Lotte Wubben-Moy. This meant Arsenal captain Kim Little returned to the side at holding midfield. The other change was Jordan Nobbs dropping to the bench, replaced by Jill Roord. Another key change for the Gunners was the return of Manuela Zinsberger in goal, replacing Lydia Williams, to make her first start since early February.

The visitors came into this match in mixed form, with three wins out of their six league matches since the start of 2021. Manchester United manager Casey Stone made two changes to her 4-2-3-1, which she also used in United’s 3-0 victory at home to Aston Villa on 7 March. Jess Sigsworth was replaced at striker by US international Christen Press, while Lauren James returns from injury to start on the left-wing over Kristy Hanson.

Keys to the match

This tactical analysis will show how Arsenal created an own goal from pressing high early. This analysis will also show how Manchester United controlled possession during the match, and creating several quality chances that Arsenal was lucky to stop. Finally, we will look at how Arsenal’s second goal, and red card, allowed them to focus all of their attention defensively and close down the spaces for United to attack.

Early own-goal from Arsenal press.

Arsenal started this match on the front foot and pressed Manchester United high up the pitch. From the initial kickoff, the visitors had trouble progressing the ball up the pitch. It wasn’t until after the first goal that United was able to control the ball in the home side’s half of the pitch. The opening goal for Arsenal owed much to the pressure they were able to apply.

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