Arsenal women’s player ratings vs Man Utd: Alessia Russo runs amok against former club but Gunners drop more WSL points despite dominating draw

Arsenal’s hopes of resurrecting their Women’s Super League title hopes were dealt another blow as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United despite bossing much of Sunday’s clash.

Interim coach Renee Slegers again took charge following the resignation of manager Jonas Eidevall in October, and the Gunners dominated from the opening whistle, as Alessia Russo set the tone with two efforts from the edge of the penalty area that flashed wide of the post.

Frida Maanum also went close with a header, while Lia Walti hit the post with a superb 25-yard effort early in the second period. Eventually, Russo broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, providing a first-time finish from Emily Fox’s pull-back after Mariona Caldentey had freed the United States full-back with a fine through-ball.

Arsenal couldn’t hold on, however, as Melvine Malard got in front of Daphne van Domselaar and flicked-on Rachel Williams’ goal-bound header to grab the equaliser and maintain United’s unbeaten start to the campaign.

GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from Leigh Sports Village…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Daphne van Domselaar (5/10):

  Never really stretched but showed good hands to hold onto Terland’s first-half header. A spectator for long periods, but should have done better for the Malard equaliser.

  Emily Fox (7/10):

  Solid defensively and then made the incisive inside run to set up Russo’s goal. Another solid showing from the United States star.

  Leah Williamson (7/10):

  Returned from a mixed international break and barely put a foot wrong. Put out fires in defence and played incisive passes out from the back.

  Steph Catley (7/10):

  Her ability to drift wide when in possession freed up McCabe to get forward. Playing her at centre-back looks like being a masterstroke.

  Katie McCabe (6/10):

  Made a slow start and had some sloppy touches, but her threat down the left grew gradually as the game wore on.

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    Midfield

    Kim Little (5/10):

    Didn’t dictate the game as she is capable of doing, but still kept the ball moving when in possession. Picked up a booking and didn’t do enough to keep Malard from netting the equaliser.

    Lia Walti (8/10):

    Dominated in midfield as she constantly won the ball back. Involved in the build-up to the goal after striking the post herself from long-range earlier in the second half.

    Frida Maanum (6/10):

    Almost played as a second striker alongside Russo and managed to find plenty of space as a result. Couple of disappointing finishes when well placed before being substituted at half-time.
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    Attack

    Caitlin Foord (5/10):

    Struggled to get involved in the first half on the right-hand side. Slightly better after the break when moved to the left, but outshone by others.

    Alessia Russo (9/10):

    Looked on it from minute one and fired narrowly wide on two occasions early on. Her physical presence was a constant problem for the United defence, and her movement was good to find space and score the goal her performance deserved.

    Mariona Caldentey (6/10):

    Didn’t look comfortable on the left during the first half, but moved to the No.10 role after the break and she looked transformed. Superb through-ball for Fox broke the game open as Russo opened the scoring.

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    Subs & Manager

    Beth Mead (7/10):

    Introduced at half-time and provided a spark down the right-hand side.

    Stina Blackstenius (6/10):

    Unable to influence the game after replacing Russo.

    Rosa Kafaji (N/A):

    On for the final few minutes.

    Kyra Cooney-Cross (N/A):

    Came on in the closing stages.

    Lina Hurtig (N/A):

    Had a couple of bright moments in her short cameo.

    Renee Slegers (7/10):

    Her tactics allowed Arsenal to dominate and her half-time change meant they took full control. Will wonder how her team didn’t win.