Arsenal Women waste golden chance despite red card and 25 shots
Arsenal Women missed a big chance to climb to second place in the Women’s Super League after a frustrating goalless draw with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
The result left the hosts disappointed after controlling long spells of the match but failing to find a breakthrough against a stubborn opposition.
Arsenal control play but lack cutting edge
The match started with an early moment of danger when Fridolina Rolfö met a cross with a firm header.
Arsenal’s goalkeeper Anneke Borbe reacted sharply and pushed the effort away with an excellent save.
That stop set the tone for much of the contest, as Arsenal spent most of the game pushing forward without reward.
The home side enjoyed plenty of the ball and kept United pinned inside their own half for long periods.
Renee Slegers’ side increased the pressure as the first half went on.
They moved the ball quickly and worked openings around the box but struggled to test the goalkeeper often enough.
Several efforts were blocked, while others drifted wide as Arsenal searched for a goal. Despite their control, clear chances were limited, and the score remained level at the break.
The visitors offered little going forward but stayed organised and hard to break down. Their defensive shape forced Arsenal to shoot from poor angles or crowded areas.
Red card fails to shift momentum
The balance of the game appeared to swing further towards Arsenal midway through the second half. United’s Jayde Riviere was shown a red card after receiving a second yellow in the 65th minute.
With a player advantage, Arsenal pushed even higher up the pitch and increased the tempo.
Wave after wave of attacks followed as United dropped deeper to protect the draw.
Arsenal finished the match with 25 shots, showing just how much they dominated possession.
However, only six of those efforts were on target, underlining their problems in front of goal.
Crosses came into the box from both flanks, but United dealt with them well. Phallon Tullis-Joyce remained calm whenever she was called upon and kept her goal intact.
The visitors defended bravely and showed great discipline to see out the final minutes. In the end, they earned a valuable point from a difficult away fixture.
It was the second time this season that the two sides have played out a goalless draw. For Arsenal, the result summed up a campaign filled with control but limited end product.
Slegers’ side will now turn their attention to the next fixture against Aston Villa. That match will take place on 18 January in the fourth round of the FA Women’s Cup.
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