Arsenal Women 2, Manchester United Women 0
An own goal by Millie Turner and a header by Lotte Wubben-Moy condemned Manchester United to WSL defeat at Arsenal.
The goals, scored at the start of each half by the Gunners, kept them in the hunt for the third Champions League spot – they now need six more victories to potentially secure that vital place in Europe at the expense of the Reds.
Beth Mead was sent off for a second bookable offence shortly after the hour mark but the Gunners simply sat back and protected their lead after that with United unable to break them down – they had a late Ella Toone goal ruled out for offside.
United’s costly fourth defeat of the season meant that the Gunners had their European fate in their own hands – they have a game in hand and are just three points behind the Reds in the WSL table with a far superior goal difference.
United had dominated possession in this game and had two clear first half chances to draw level but couldn’t muster the kind of finishing required to overhaul their hosts.
Champions League was the objective for both clubs ahead of this crucial game with United in the driving seat as Arsenal looked to try and overtake them with their games in hand and superior goal difference
The Gunners had the top flight experience but will consider their early lead in this game something of a bonus.
Barely two minutes into the game Jill Roord’s shot looped up off Millie Turner’s boot and beat Mary Earps right at the start of this crucial game.
United had quality chances to get back on terms but crucially could not find the killer finish.
Christen Press had a shot blocked by Kim Little after Jackie Groenen found her with a square ball into the area.
Arsenal were unable to add to their tally with United defending stoutly – Ona Batlle twice thwarted efforts by Beth Mead to beat her.
The Reds wasted two chances within a minute when Lauren James blazed over after 27 minutes for the Reds while Ella Toone poked wide under pressure seconds later after being put through on goal.
Press fired wide while Roord had a cross saved by Earps.
Toothless Manchester United unable to capitalise on Beth Mead red card
Danielle van de Donk and Mead had shots go wide after the break as the Gunners tried to extend their lead.
And they did just that in the 51st minute when Lotte Wubben-Moy headed past Earps from McCabe’s cross.
Jess Sigsworth replaced James after 62 minutes before Beth Mead was sent off for a second bookable offence – sliding in on Lucy Staniforth seconds later.
Stunned by the red card, Arsenal simply dropped back to protect their lead, leaving the Reds free reign to attack.
Miedema had a shot blocked as United couldn’t get the
though the Gunners defence and left themselves open to counter attacks.
With 9 minutes to go Toone thought she had stabbed home a vital goal from close range but it was ruled out for offside from substitute Jess Sigsworth.
Miedema forced a save from Earps while Zelem blazed over and Staniforth sent an injury time free kick straight into the Arsenal wall – an action that summed up United’s night.
GOALS – Arsenal Women 2, Manchester United Women 0
Arsenal 1, Man Utd 0: 2. Jill Roord’s shot looped up off Millie Turner’s boot and beat Mary Earps for an unfortunate own goal.
Arsenal 2, Man Utd 0: 51. Lotte Wubben-Moy headed home Arsenal’s second goal of the night from Katie McCabe’s cross.
MATCH STATS – Arsenal Women 2, Manchester United Women 0
Arsenal Women: Zinsberger, Maritz, Wubben-Moy, Walti, McCabe, Little (Patten 86), Roord (Gut 82), van de Donk, (Nobbs 86) Mead, Miedema (Evans 90+1), Foord
Arsenal Women subs not used: Stenson, Patten, Williams, Maier
Booked: McCabe 32 (foul on Ella Toone), Mead 52 (foul on Lauren James); Walti
Sent Off: Mead 62 (second bookable offence, after sliding in on Lucy Staniforth)
Goals: Millie Turner og 2; Wubben-Moy 51
Man Utd Women: Earps, Harris, Amy Turner, Millie Turner, Batlle, Zelem, Groenen (Ladd 82), Toone, Staniforth, James (Sigsworth 62), Press
Man Utd Women subs not used: Thorisdottir, Hanson, Ross, Smith, Bentley, Jones, Bourne
Referee: Amy Fearns