Arsenal and Manchester United play out stalemate on WSL return | OneFootball

In the first WSL fixture since December 14, the rustiness of Arsenal and Manchester United was clear for all to see.

The goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium keeps Arsenal third and United fourth in the table, but the manner in which the match played out was disappointing, if unsurprising.

United had been in mixed form before the break, winning three from seven in all competitions, whilst the Gunners had been near flawless, winning six from their last seven.

Although the WSL paused for the winter break on December 14, both of these sides played their last games on December 21, in the Women’s League Cup.

The lack of quality in the game was highlighted by the fact that the best chance came in the fourth minute, when United forward Fridolina Rolfo had a good header brilliantly tipped onto the bar by Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe.

At that point in the game the chance seemed an encouraging sign of the entertainment to come, but it did not pan out that way.

Neither side dominated and it was a close game. Arsenal’s best opportunity also came in the first half, and fell to Olivia Smith.

Alessia Russo turned Anna Sandberg near the right byline before whipping in a fizzing ball towards Smith in the six yard box, but she couldn’t convert from close range.

The Gunners continued to waste good chances in the first period, with Frida Maanum and Kim Little also spurning opportunities they should have done better with.

In the second half the game went stale and was crying out for substitutions. United boss Marc Skinner was first to blink in the 60th minute, bringing on new signing Lea Schuller and Simi Awujo.

That prompted Renee Slegers to instantly reply with two changes of her own. She brought Caitlin Foord and Stina Blackstenius into the fray in the 63rd minute.

And it paid dividends, with Foord making an instant impact. She took the ball and dribbled through the centre of the pitch before being fouled by Jayde Riviere. It was a cynical challenge, and Riviere was swiftly shown a yellow card, her second of the game.

As she went off the pitch upon receiving the red card, and with over 20 minutes still to play, Arsenal put their foot on the gas.

Buoyed by the crowd, they mounted wave after wave of attacks. Russo was at the centre of the action and on one occasion found herself on the end of a loose ball in the box, but it was well blocked.

As the clock ticked down with the score still level, Slegers opted for a fine roll of the dice and brought on debutant Smilla Holmberg and Victoria Pelova for the final 10 minutes.

But the United defence was resolute, and Arsenal could not find the breakthrough they needed.

Understandably, the game felt exactly like a reintroduction to football after a three week break, and both teams should be better prepared for their respective games next weekend.