Manchester United vs Arsenal LIVE: Women’s Super League result, final score as Lacasse scores late Gunners equaliser

Arsenal’s Chloe Lacasse scores a late equaliser to ensure her side left the game against Manchester United at the Leigh Sports Village with a point.

Arsenal suffered a shock home defeat to Liverpool in the first WSL game last weekend, after failing to reach the group stages of the Champions League last month, but bounced back to secure a 2-2 draw against United.

Arsenal may feel aggrieved they did not get more from the game, with two stunning goals, while United’s came from mistakes from their opponents rather than any particular amount of individual skill, unlike Lacasse’s stunning strike in stoppage time to level the game.

It has been a rocky start to the season for Jonas Eidevall’s side, despite the talisman signing of Alessia Russo from Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United - under Marc Skinner - won their first match against Aston Villa 2-1.

Follow all the action from the clash at Leigh Sports Village here:

WSL: Manchester United vs Arsenal

• Manchester United host Arsenal in the WSL

• Arsenal striker Alessia Russo starts against her former club but Beth Mead and Leah Williamson remain out

• Man Utd XI: Earps, George, Le Tissier, Blundell, Toone, Zelem, Galton, Ladd, L. Garcia, Turner, Geyse

• Arsenal XI: D’Angleo, Beattie, Catley, Little, Waltie, Maritz, Pelova, Russo, Blackstenius, Codina, Ilestedt

• GOAL! Blackstenius Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal (14 mins)

• GOAL! Galton Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal (28 minutes)

• HT: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

• GOAL! Malard - Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal (81 minutes)

• GOAL! Lacasse - Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal (90+3 minutes)

• FT: Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal

FT: Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal

22:03 , Sonia Twigg

There were some protests after the game against the Glazer ownership, for half an hour or so after the match.

FT: Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal

21:54 , Sonia Twigg

Jonas Eidevall: “I think the performance was big from us today.

“Sometimes you need to match that performance with a result as well and I am happy we did that but I think when we look back we will be a little bit disappointed not to get more from that game.”

FT: Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal

21:42 , Sonia Twigg

Kim Little to Sky Sports: “I think it was so important for us based off that performance last weekend.

“It’s always tough coming to United so I think it’s a really positive point for us.

“I think we were disappointed in our performance as a team and as individuals.”

FT: Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal

21:35 , Sonia Twigg

There were 8,312 in attendance for that entertaining 2-2 draw at Leigh Sports Village.

FT: Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal

21:29 , Sonia Twigg

FT: Arsenal managed to find a reaction after their opening-day defeat with two stunning goals to lay down a marker and show the rest of the league what they are made of.

Manchester United were lucky and capitalised on Arsenal’s defensive errors to the best of their ability.

It was a good game, but it was only mistakes at the back from the Gunners that allowed the home side back into the game.

GOAL! Lacasse! Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal

21:26 , Sonia Twigg

90+3’ That was an incredible strike! Lacasse just unleashed from just outside the box straight into the top corner.

There was nothing Earps or any goalkeeper could have done about that, it was inch-perfect! What a way to score a first club goal.

WSL: Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal

21:23 , Sonia Twigg

90+1, McCabe tried her luck from distance, but Arsenal are running out of time to try and get something from this game.

WSL: Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal

21:22 , Sonia Twigg

90’ And the Gunners could have plenty of chances with six minutes of added time to come...

WSL: Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal

21:22 , Sonia Twigg

89’ Arsenal are not giving up here and looking to get forward at every opportunity.

WSL: Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal

21:21 , Sonia Twigg

88’ Arsenal thought they had the equaliser when Foord played in her teammate, who tapped the ball into the back of the net but it was ruled out for offside, Eidevall wasn’t happy but replays showed the player offside.

WSL: Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal

21:18 , Sonia Twigg

86’ Arsenal got forward, and had a corner, but could not turn that pressure into a goal.

They have come close, with Russo hitting the post, but two defensive errors have allowed United not only back into the game, but to potentially leave with all three points.

WSL: Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal

21:16 , Sonia Twigg

84’ Arsenal have it all to do here and not much time left to avoid starting their season with two successive defeats.

GOAL! Melard Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal

21:14 , Sonia Twigg

81’ After chances at the other end, United have the lead. Arsenal caught there.

Ilestedt waited for the goalkeeper, who paused and Malard pounced to tap the ball into the net.

It was another poor defensive error from the Gunners, who have allowed United back into the game just as they looked to be close to re-taking the lead.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

21:11 , Sonia Twigg

78’ Russo hits the post! That’s the closest either side have come to a goal since the equaliser.

She did so well to create space, and she took the shot had three defenders surrounding her, but it was hit with pace, only to rebound off the woodwork. Arsenal have been more promising in the last 10 minutes or so.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

21:09 , Sonia Twigg

77’ There’s a worrying moment for Arsenal, with goalkeeper D’Angelo down and receiving treatment on what looks like her ankle.

Fortunately she has tested it out and looks okay to continue.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

21:08 , Sonia Twigg

75’ Manchester United have scored 17 goals in the last 15 minutes since the start of last season.

And they make two more changes, Toone comes off for Miyazawa, and Garcia off for Malard to make her WSL debut.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

21:07 , Sonia Twigg

74’ It’s still a game of few chances, nothing really of note since the two opportunities from Russo.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

21:03 , Sonia Twigg

71’ Manchester United now make a change, Williams on for Geyse.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:59 , Sonia Twigg

67’ Earps again! The England goalkeeper makes another save from Russo!

Russo was played in and Earps’ outstretched leg stopped the ball from finding the bottom corner.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:58 , Sonia Twigg

66’ Save! Earps has to dive low and can only parry a header from Russo that went to the goalkeeper, who couldn’t gather the first time round.

If that had more pace on it it might have caused more problems, but it was slightly loopy.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:57 , Sonia Twigg

65’ Arsenal had to be alert there, it was a great ball across the box, but the United defence were on hand to hold back the incoming attackers, and the Gunners cannot capitalise from the following corner.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:56 , Sonia Twigg

65’ Those changes and yellow cards have just slowed the pace of the game a bit, as both sides settle back into a rhythm.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:55 , Sonia Twigg

63’ Foord now into the book, again she has also just come on. The card was for pulling back a United player unnecessarily.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:54 , Sonia Twigg

62’ McCabe, who has only just come onto the field has gone straight into the referee’s book for a slightly unnecessary foul there.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:51 , Sonia Twigg

60’ After all of that build up and the subs, Catley fires the free kick won by Russo over the bar.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:51 , Sonia Twigg

59’ Triple change for Arsenal, Blackstenius, Pelova, Codina for Foors Maanum and McCabe.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:50 , Sonia Twigg

58’ That was better from Russo, she runs at goal and United have to make the foul outside the box.

There was nothing they could do to stop her without sticking the leg out, and Zelem is shown a yellow card for the challenge...not sure it was that bad.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:48 , Sonia Twigg

56’ Russo is being booed by the Manchester United fans whenever she gets on the ball here...which has not been a lot it’s fair to say.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:47 , Sonia Twigg

55’ That was a better ball from Arsenal and Le Tissier was in the right place to prevent any Arsenal player running on to the end of it.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:46 , Sonia Twigg

54’ Arsenal are just struggling to get forward in this half, they are defending well, especially to cut off a probing lofted cross from Galton.

They might be about to make some changes.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:44 , Sonia Twigg

52’ Mary Earps is shouting at her defenders, urging them to go forward, it’s a clear sign of intent from the home side that they will not just settle for a draw here against Arsenal.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:42 , Sonia Twigg

50’ That was narrowly wide from Geyse, just flashed across the face of goal.

A lovely goal and perfectly picked out, she tries to go for the far post, the keeper is beaten but it just goes inches wide of the target.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:40 , Sonia Twigg

48’ Well the second half has started where the first half ended, not any clear-cut chances, but lots of attacking intent, especially down the wings, from both teams.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:37 , Sonia Twigg

46’ Manchester United get the second half underway at Leigh Sports Village, with the scores level after Blackstenius’ opener was cancelled out by Galton.

HT: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:26 , Sonia Twigg

Here are some photos from the first half:

HT: WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:20 , Sonia Twigg

HT: Turner had a free header in the Arsenal box - that was poor defending from the Gunners, she was completely unmarked, but it looped over the goal.

That will be the last significant action of the half, which ends with both sides having scored one goal apiece.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:17 , Sonia Twigg

45+2’ United had to be alert there, and Russo has had her shot blocked inside the box, with her first touch in the penalty area.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:16 , Sonia Twigg

45’ There will be four minutes of added time at the end of the first half at Leigh Sports Village.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:16 , Sonia Twigg

45’ Manchester United just can’t quite find the passes to players, their build-up play is good, but they look a bit short of answers when they get into the final third.

It’s something Marc Skinner will want to address at half time, after they were gifted an equaliser from a goalkeeping error.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:13 , Sonia Twigg

42’ Arsenal break again, but Kim Little’s touch wasn’t perfect, after she was picked out by yet another good run down the left from Blackstenius.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:11 , Sonia Twigg

39’ The crowd have been in good voice so far, and it has been a good game, but not a lot of chances on offer for either side, and most of the possession and play has taken part in the middle third of the pitch.

When United have got forward, Arsenal have been quick to get back and prevent any opportunity to get closer to the goal than the outside of the box.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:08 , Sonia Twigg

37’ Arsenal are trying to play the ball through, but aren’t quite finding the killer pass. They are either over-hit or lacking accuracy, but it is good intent from Eidevall’s side so far.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:06 , Sonia Twigg

35’ United and Galton break again, but Arsenal are able to hook the ball clear. This game has not had a lot of chances, but there have been two goals scored so far.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:04 , Sonia Twigg

33’ Geyse and Manchester United should have had a free kick there when Beattie was holding back the striker, but the referee has waved play on.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:03 , Sonia Twigg

33’ United have picked up since going a goal behind with two shots on target since going behind, a marked improvement from how they started and they were rewarded with an equaliser.

That being said, Arsenal look dangerous every time they go forward here.

WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

20:01 , Sonia Twigg

31’ United will want to make the most of that having been gifted a way to level the tie. Galton pounced well, but it was a mistake the goalkeeper will not want to see again.

GOAL! Galton WSL: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

19:59 , Sonia Twigg

28’ It was an absolute howler, the goalkeeper D’Angelo comes off her line to clear it, completely misses it and United have been handed an equaliser from one of the worst mistakes that could be seen this season!

WSL: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

19:57 , Sonia Twigg

26’ The boos ring out as there’s a pause to allow two players who had just been checked out (one from each team) back onto the field, but the game gets underway again fairly quickly.

WSL: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

19:54 , Sonia Twigg

23’ Arsenal have another break, but this one is offside. They are playing a high line and there’s a lot of space behind that back line, and the Gunners have the pace to do it.

WSL: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

19:52 , Sonia Twigg

21’ Earps is equal to a long ball but has to be quick off her line to prevent a probing ball through from Arsenal finding its mark.

Arsenal have dominated in the midfield so far.

WSL: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

19:51 , Sonia Twigg

20’ United have a shot, but it’s a tame looped header from Geyse, and D’Angelo is able to make a straightforward save.

WSL: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

19:49 , Sonia Twigg

18’ The game has slowed down slightly since the goal, but United are trying their best to get into this match as quickly as possible, but Arsenal are quick to defend their lead.

GOAL: Blackstenius WSL: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

19:45 , Sonia Twigg

14’ Arsenal had to win back the ball, Catley plays the ball through to Blackstenius who makes no mistakes in the box, taking her time to curl the ball into the far corner past Earps and score her side’s first goal of the season.

WSL: Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal

19:44 , Sonia Twigg

13’ Arsenal have to defend a corner, and they have 15 goals from set-pieces since the start of last season.

The Gunners don’t look comfortable dealing with the initial ball but eventually manage to clear for a throw-in.

WSL: Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal

19:42 , Sonia Twigg

11’ Arsenal have broken with pace so far but have been unable to find a way through the Manchester United backline.

United will have to be careful they don’t get caught with their intention to play the ball out from the back.

WSL: Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal

19:40 , Sonia Twigg

9’ No clear cut chances so far as the players are just looking to feel each other out.

WSL: Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal

19:36 , Sonia Twigg

6’ The players are wearing back armbands in memory of Sir Alex Ferguson‘s wife Cathy who passed away yesterday at the age of 84.

WSL: Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal

19:35 , Sonia Twigg

4’ Arsenal capitalise from their press and Mary Earps was there to gather the ball and prevent it reaching Blackstenius who was one of two unmarked players in the box.

WSL: Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal

19:33 , Sonia Twigg

3’ Arsenal have been pressing high here to try and keep United contained, maybe that defeat at home last week is still in the back of their minds.

WSL: Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal

19:31 , Sonia Twigg

1’ Arsenal kick the game underway after a moment with all players taking the knee.

WSL: Manchester United vs Arsenal

19:28 , Sonia Twigg

The players have come out and are lining up in front of the small but sold-out stadium.

WSL: Manchester United vs Arsenal

19:25 , Sonia Twigg

Last season Arsenal lost twice to Manchester United and they won three matches, losing two against the top four in the WSL.

WSL: Manchester United vs Arsenal

19:22 , Sonia Twigg

The teams are getting ready to come out onto the pitch at the Leigh Sports Village for this Friday night WSL clash...

WSL: Manchester United vs Arsenal

19:15 , Sonia Twigg

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall brushed off suggestions that summer signing Alessia Russo will put herself under extra pressure when she faces former side Manchester United on Friday.

The 24-year-old England striker completed the free transfer in July before she left for the Women’s World Cup in Australia, though it was the conclusion of a courtship that extended at least as far back as the January transfer window.

Russo may be met with disappointment from the home support on her first trip back to Leigh Sports Village, but Eidevall insisted she is taking everything in stride.

Jonas Eidevall: Alessia Russo won’t put herself under pressure on Man Utd return

WSL: Manchester United vs Arsenal

19:00 , Sonia Twigg

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall has signed a new “long-term” deal, the Women’s Super League side have announced.

The PA news agency understands the Swedish head coach, who was first appointed in June 2021, has agreed to a three-year contract with the Gunners.

Last season, the 40-year-old led Arsenal to the Continental Cup trophy and steered his side to the Champions League semi-finals.

He said: “I’m full of pride to have signed a new contract with this football club.

Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall signs new long-term contract

WSL: Manchester United vs Arsenal

18:45 , Sonia Twigg

Here’s a reminder of how Arsenal got on in the first game of the season:

This was not the start to the new Women’s Super League season that any of the record-breaking crowd at the Emirates had been expecting. Arsenal, the big movers of the summer transfer window, are playing catch-up already after Miri Taylor silenced the record WSL crowd of 54,115 and earnt an organised and impressively resilient Liverpool a shock victory.

What was written as the grand unveiling of new striker Alessia Russo suddenly became an opening-day setback for Jonas Eidevall’s side when Taylor steered Liverpool ahead shortly after half time. The Gunners were expected to lead a stronger challenge to champions Chelsea in this season’s title race but England star Russo, after arriving from Manchester United on a free transfer, was the landmark signing who struggled on her debut. Collectively, Arsenal did not play with their usual fluency and Liverpool survived the late pressure to claim a famous win.

Arsenal break Women’s Super League record – but suffer shock Liverpool defeat

WSL: Manchester United vs Arsenal line-ups

18:31 , Mike Jones

Manchester United XI: Earps, George, Le Tissier, Blundell, Toone, Zelem, Galton, Ladd, L. Garcia, Turner, Geyse

Arsenal XI: D’Angleo, Beattie, Catley, Little, Waltie, Maritz, Pelova, Russo, Blackstenius, Codina, Ilestedt

WSL: Manchester United vs Arsenal

18:30 , Sonia Twigg

Here’s a look at how the defending Champions Chelsea got on in their opening match:

Champions Chelsea opened their Women’s Super League title defence with a 2-1 win over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

Australia striker Sam Kerr, who had been injured at the World Cup, was not in the squad - but Chelsea debutant Mia Fishel headed the home side into a 27th-minute lead.

England international Lauren James added another early in the second half from a cross by Guro Reiten, whose initial effort looked to have been cleared away from behind the line.

Lauren James on target as Chelsea open WSL title defence with win over Tottenham

WSL: Manchester United vs Arsenal

18:15 , Sonia Twigg

Here’s a look back at the summer transfer window:

As the women’s game in England continues to grow, so do transfer fees with one Women’s Super League manager describing this summer’s window as “wild” following plenty of big spending.

Fifa reported three million US dollars (£2.4m) was spent during the 2023 mid-year transfer window, which was double the amount (£983,000) that women’s clubs outlay across the globe in 2022.

While the spending in women’s football is far behind the sums chucked around in the men’s game, the past 12 months in particular has seen spending rise rapidly as more funds are used following a golden period for the Lionesses.

Women’s football sees ‘wild’ record transfer spending ahead of new WSL season

WSL: Manchester United vs Arsenal

17:38 , Sonia Twigg

Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal will be looking to show that their surprise defeat at home to Liverpool in front of a sold-out crowd during the WSL’s opening weekend was a blip.

Arsenal narrowly pipped Manchester City to third place last season, but just a few weeks after the World Cup final, their tired squad was unable to qualify for the Women’s Champions League group stage, and they were knocked out by Paris FC.

Manchester United finished second in the WSL last year, qualifying automatically for the group stages, and managed to win on the opening weekend.