Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United: Gunners defeat United to retain WSL title

Arsenal achieved victory over Manchester United in front of a record Women's Super League crowd at the Emirates Stadium.

While the result ensured Arsenal's title challenge remains alive, it dealt a significant blow to United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

United were pulled apart defensively and within 10 minutes they conceded an own goal when Katie McCabe's corner kick was deflected in by Gase from close range.

Mark Skinner's side are currently seven points behind Arsenal, and things got worse after Katie Zelem's scooped clearance fell to an unmarked Chloe Lacasse, who headed it into the net. It got worse.

Arsenal capped off a breathtaking first half with Kim Little's penalty after United defender Gemma Evans brought down Beth Mead, only for Lucía Garcia to add the winning goal in stoppage time. was.

Arsenal could have extended the lead for the home side in the second half when Mead hit the post twice, but one of her shots was deflected wide by defender Maya Le Tissier.

The defeat puts increased pressure on United manager Skinner. The team faced backlash from its own supporters. In the last few months. That figure is unlikely to wane, with his side on course to finish outside the three Champions League spots next season.

Arsenal penalized United for taking chances

Arsenal given extra motivation before kick-off Manchester City beat Chelsea in top two battle at Kingsmeadow This means the Gunners could close in on the lead.

February had been a disappointing month for Arsenal prior to this game, with defeat to West Ham in the WSL putting their challenge in jeopardy, followed by defeat to Manchester City in the Women's FA Cup.

Leah Williamson absent from Arsenal squad due to minor hamstring injurythe absence of fellow defender Amanda Illestedt due to illness was a further blow, causing anxiety in the stands.

However, it was a big reaction for Arsenal, confirming their superiority over United and showing their aggression on the big stage.

Backed by a sold-out crowd, Arsenal overcame several minutes of United pressure early on, but it was quickly settled after an unfortunate own goal from Gaisse.

From then on, moves by Stina Braxtenius, who was selected ahead of England striker Alessia Russo, and Lacasse exploited the space behind United's back line.

Jonas Eidevall's team were having fun, goofing around and celebrating. As his teammates rushed over, McCabe stood with his arms outstretched, Lacasse stuck out his tongue and Little was held up in the air.

Meade hit the crate twice and went wide, but Braxstenius and Lacasse were denied by Mary Earps as Arsenal continued to score.

United had their first shot on target early in the first half when Nikita Parris tipped goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo's dropped ball wide and Ella Toune's shot almost deflected off Steph Catley. It took 71 minutes.

Garcia's late goal came from a cross from the left, shortly after Arsenal midfielder Lia Walti was out for an extended period with a head injury.

All in all, it was a terribly disappointing afternoon for United. We head back north knowing we have a mountain to climb if we are to finish in the top three of the WSL.