This weekend sees the return of the WSL after two weeks away. There are many interesting games, such as Chelsea Women against Everton Women, but this analysis will preview the game between Manchester United Women and Arsenal Women, both of whom are in great form and challenging at the league’s summit. This tactical analysis will look at the strengths and weaknesses of both sides’ attack and defence, looking at where each team can exploit the others with some clever tactics. We will also compare each side’s statistics to see which has been more dominant.
Manchester United Womens attack
Manchester United Women have been one of the busiest sides over the summer, bringing in three new forwards in USA internationals Christen Press and Tobin Heath, as well as Alessia Russo from the US college game, who is already an England international. If we look at the image below, we can see how they have given Manchester United plenty of attacking options.
Here, Heath has the ball on the right-hand side, in the red square. West Ham United Women have looked to cut off her route to goal, but Manchester United’s setup has made this difficult. Alessia Russo, wearing 23, is the furthest forward, whilst winger Leah Galton is stretching the defenders out. However, because the West Ham defence is marking these two, forward Ella Toone, wearing seven, takes up a position where she can receive the ball and shoot at goal.
Therefore, Manchester United’s new signings have had an impact on their attack. Heath likes to play on the wing, providing crosses into the box, whilst Russo has shown herself to be a goalscorer, so having her as the central striker ensures Manchester United take advantage of chances like this.
