Arsenal’s WSL record winning-streak was ended at the 15th game after a sensational late Manchester United comeback stunned the Emirates, following Alessia Russo’s 90th minute winner.
Jonas Eidevall's team had led 2-1 with only five minutes to play but were dealt a sucker punch after two late goals from defender Mille Turner and England forward Russo. In a pulsating second-half, Arsenal had managed to get themselves in front when Austrian full-back Laura Weinroither fired home a Katie McCabe cross from the left in the 73rd minute.
But they were undone by two set-pieces delivered by Katie Zelem, the late goals seeing United join Arsenal on 18 points. In truth, the Gunners’ perfect start to the season had looked in real danger for much of a high-quality contest in front of a 40,064 strong crowd. Only a heavily deflected Frida Maanum goal was able to get the league leaders level, after United had led at the break thanks to an Ella Toone strike.
It was the visitors who had the first real sight of goal when the lively Leah Galton forced an excellent save from Manuela Zinsberger at full stretch inside the penalty area. United didn't look phased in the early stages on their first visit to the Emirates, with Millie Turner heading just over from a corner.
Nikita Parris also fired a deflected volley over the bar as the visitors took charge of possession and kept the crowd quiet. Toone’s simple strike finally gave them the lead they deserved, after Zinsberger failed to claim Hayley Ladd’s cross.
This was the first time the Gunners had truly been tested during their winning streak, having only conceded in two of the 14 consecutive WSL matches won, against Birmingham and West Ham.
But they made the perfect response straight after half-time, when Maanum picked the ball up in her own half before driving towards the United penalty area. Her shot took a huge deflection off the unfortunate Maya Le Tissier to leave Mary Earps helpless.
That stirred the Emirates crowd, although the visitors did respond when Zelem fired just over the bar after good work from Russo. Arsenal threw on Viviane Miedema in search of a winner but failed to consistently test Earps despite being roared on by the home crowd. That was until McCabe’s perfect cross was finished superbly by her fellow full-back Wienroither.
But Skinner’s side refused to lie down and their sensational late comeback handed the Gunners a first defeat of the season, Russo’s winner seeing United players celebrate widely in front of a jubilant away end. Arsenal were not only left reeling, but were dealt a further blow when England star Beth Mead hobbled off injured in the dying minutes.
The result means London rivals Chelsea can go top of the table tomorrow when they face Tottenham. Arsenal are still ahead of United, but only on goal difference.
