Manchester United are now four points ahead of Chelsea in the WSL despite playing two more games. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images Manchester United 1 Arsenal 0
Manchester United are in contention for a league and cup double after a priceless 1-0 victory over Women's Super League rivals Arsenal. The win extended Mark Skinner's team's lead at the top of the table to four points with four games to go. This takes a club that didn't even have a women's team five years ago into uncharted territory.
United have played two games more than defending champions Chelsea, who still have the title in their own hands, but this victory was another important step forward for the club, which had never previously challenged for silver at this stage since its reformation. .
A shutdown by England striker Alessia Russo from around 12 yards in first-half stoppage time ended up being the difference in a game with relatively few chances. For Manchester United, having conceded the fewest goals in the league this season, it was another sign of greater defensive stability this season.
What a time to score! 🔥
Alessia Russo puts United ahead with almost the last shot of the half.
📲 Check out @BBCThree and @BBCiPlayer#BBCFootball #MUNARS #WSL pic.twitter.com/GUQfx9dTXw
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD), April 19, 2023
They could have scored more, but Aoife Mannion missed a first-half volley and Russo lost due to Manuela Zinsberger's great save reaction early in the second half. League Cup winners Arsenal are now six points behind the leaders with a game in hand, but a trip to Chelsea is yet to come.
Arsenal and England also faced another major injury threat after Lionesses captain Leah Williamson was forced to leave with a knee injury just 15 minutes into the game. This comes just three months before the start of the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Williamson's right foot appeared to be caught on the surface of the field, and she immediately called for help when she hit the turf. After receiving treatment on the pitch, Williamson, visibly uncomfortable, eventually stood up, to warm applause in the stadium from fans home and away. Although she was not carried away on the stretcher that lay next to her, she had to be helped down the tunnel. Both her club and country will now eagerly await news of the severity of the injury.
Williamson was playing farther forward in midfield when she was injured. Photo: PA/Simon Marper
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion moved up from the bottom of the WSL table with a 3-2 home win over Everton and new Brighton manager Melissa Phillips' responsible match of the first league. Phillips watched last Saturday's 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup and despite that said she was «100% going to win». knew that her team was able to get out of the relegation problem.
They are still in peril, but this win, their first WSL win since November 6th, will give the Sussex club some serious momentum. Just two points now separate the last four teams in the table and they have only one relegation spot at the end of the season.
Match details and player ratings
Manchester United (4-2-3-) 1 ): Ears 7; Battle 7, Le Tissier 6, Mannion 6, Blundell 6; Ladd 6, Zelem 6; Parris 7 (Thomas 5, 88), Toon 6 (Turner 5, 88), Galton 6; Russo 7 (Williams 6, 72)
Warnings: Ladd, Zelem, Blundell, Battle
Goals: Russo 45+6
Unused subs: Bo Risa, Riviere, Garcia, Tunkara, Cascarino, Baggalei (a)
Arsenal (4-3-3): Zinsberger 6; Winreuther 6 (Beatty 6, 45), Wubben-Moy 6, Rafael 6, Maritz 5; Maanum 6, Williamson 6 (Giovan Queiroz 5, 15 (Taylor 6, 73)), Walty 6; Pelova 5, Blackstenius 5, Kuhl 5 (Catley 7, 45)
Warning: Giovana Queiroz
Unused subs: D' ;Angelo (A) , Marchese (A), Goldie, Agyemang
Referee: Abigail Byrne
Attendance: 6658
Свежие комментарии