By Ollie Wyse
Renée Slegers maintained her unbeaten start as Arsenal's interim head coach side with a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in front of a record attendance at Leigh Sports Village.
Manchester United were looking to continue their strong start to the season which has seen them win three out of their opening four games, and they started brightly, with consecutive corners leading to a header from Ella Toone, however, she could only direct her effort into the arms of Daphne van Domselaar.
Arsenal responded with a couple of chances of their own, as Caitlin Foord's strike was cleared by Millie Turner before Frida Maanum came close following excellent work inside the box.
Marc Skinner was taking charge of his 100th Manchester United game and his side had the best chance to open the scoring right before the break, as Elisabeth Terland found herself unmarked inside the Arsenal box, but placed her header straight at van Domselaar.
Both managers made changes at the break, with Simi Awujo replacing Lisa Naalsund for the home side and Beth Mead coming on to replace Frida Maanum for Arsenal and it was definitely the latter that had the bigger impact. Mead was immediately involved and linked well with Mariona Caldentey to carve out a crossing chance, but the opportunity passed everyone by.
The visitors continued to pile on the pressure and a driving run from former Man United player, Alessia Russo led to a free-kick on the edge of the box, with Turner receiving a yellow card for the infringement. Although the visitors failed to capitalise on the set-piece, it would be Russo that would eventually punish her former side. Shortly after the hour mark, an excellent through ball from Caldentey would allow Emily Fox to pick out Russo inside the six-yard box, who slid the ball past Tullis-Joyce to put the Gunners 1-0 up with her first WSL goal of the season. She had a chance to double the lead just minutes later, latching onto the end of a Mead cross, but this time putting her effort just wide of the mark.
Despite a barrage of attacks throughout the second half, Slegers' side were made to pay for their sloppiness in front of goal, as Man United rallied and levelled the game with just eight minutes to play. Geyse had her cross blocked by Kim Little and from the resulting corner, Melvine Malard popped up in front of van Domselaar to poke the ball over the Arsenal goalkeeper after a header from Rachel Williams.
Shortly after their goal, United were appealing for a red card as Katie McCabe was involved in a scuffle with Geyse which resulted in both players ending up in the referee's book, however, McCabe escaped further punishment for kicking the ball away.
Slegers made a triple change on 87 minutes, with Kyra Cooney-Cross, Rosa Kafaji, and Lina Hurtig replacing Kim Little, Mariona Caldentey, and Caitlin Foord. Hurtig had an instant impact, winning a flick on from a corner which gave Leah Williamson the chance to win the game, but she could only find Tullis-Joyce in the Man United goal.
Hurtig was involved again, this time winning a corner in the final minute of injury time. The ball fell to Lia Wälti who fired over from the edge of the box.
The result leaves Arsenal fifth in the table, three points behind Chelsea in third having played two more games than their London rivals, and seven points behind Manchester City at the top of the WSL table.
The Gunners are next in action on Friday 8th November at 19:00 as they welcome Brighton to Emirates Stadium in the WSL.
Attendance: 8,348 - Record at Leigh Sports Village
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