Arsenal draw 0-0 with Manchester United in drab WSL return
A player advantage and 25 shots weren't enough for the Gunners to take all three points in first game back after the winter break
The WSL returned from its winter break with a stodgy 0-0 draw played out between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
Normally one of the league’s big-ticket games, this match had all the makings of a post-Christmas hangover.
Both teams were out of rhythm having played their last competitive match in the league cup quarter-finals on 21 December.
It was Arsenal that really should have taken all three points, as they dominated 75 of the 90 minutes on Saturday. They were also gifted a player advantage when Jayde Riviere was sent off after picking up a second yellow for a challenge on Caitlin Foord in the 65th minute.
Manchester United had one early chance in the first half when Fridolina Rolfo’s header was tipped onto the bar by Anneke Borbe, but from that moment on, it was all Arsenal.
However, for all their possession, and territory, Arsenal couldn’t find a breakthrough. Renee Slegers’ side had 38 touches in United’s box in the first half alone, but only managed two shots on target, one of them a close-range effort from Olivia Smith that Phallon Tullis-Joyce managed to smother.
In the first half alone, Arsenal had three chances in and around box that were blasted over the bar. First it was Mariona Caldentey from just outside the area, then it was Kim Little from close range, and then Frida Maanum just inside the box.
It was more of the same in the second half, Tullis-Joyce was first to every cross and shot, with Arsenal’s frustration growing as they couldn’t make the most of their player advantage. They finished the game with 25 shots (six on target), 64 touches in the box and an xG of 2.38.
For all of Arsenal’s possession, their inefficiency in front of goal was there to see.
Arsenal can be forgiven for lacking the finishing touches in attack, given the long break since their last game, but what is more worrying for Slegers, is that this isn’t just a post-winter-break phenomenon. Arsenal have lacked efficiency in front of goal all season.
There’s been a trend of Arsenal dominating for large periods in games, without creating good chances and without scoring. The narrow 1-0 over Brighton and 0-0 draw with Spurs in the north London derby stick out as performances in which Arsenal had short, impressive spells of possession and dominance, before the control disappeared.
Former Wales international Helen Ward said it best in her BBC 5Live commentary: “For Arsenal, it’s the same old story - dominating the ball for the most part but not being able to make it count or create anything of real note, which is probably the biggest worry for them”
Saturday’s scoreless draw doesn’t move the dial for either side. Arsenal stay in third, seven points behind leaders Manchester City, while United sit one point behind the Gunners in fourth.
Arsenal entered this season with renewed energy and expectation after winning the Champions League. However, after the first 12 games of the WSL season, they have the same record as European newcomers United, with just three points picked up in their first four games against their top-four rivals.
For United, they may see that as progress, given they’re still viewed as challengers to the historical dominance of City, Chelsea and Arsenal. But for Arsenal, that will be seen as conceding ground to the teams in blue.
This week, Renee Slegers was awarded a new long-term contract to lead Arsenal until 2029. Today’s game was a reminder of how big the task will be to bring WSL glory back to north London.