Manchester United and Arsenal battle out goalless draw in Leigh | OneFootball

Manchester United and Arsenal had to settle for a share of the spoils as they battled out a goalless draw at Leigh Sports Village this afternoon.

Both sides went into the game on the back of unbeaten starts to the season and their runs continued following a stalemate in the North West.

It was Manchester United who started brightly and visiting keeper Daphne van Domselaar made a fantastic double save to deny The Red Devils from gaining the lead. The Dutch keeper made an initial save, but spilt the ball at the feet of Melvine Malard. Van Domselaar was then forced into another save, this time from Celin Bizet Ildhusøy.

At the other end, Olivia Smith took aim from distance, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce managed to get a glove to the ball and put it up against the crossbar.

The Red Devils looked strong defensively. Stina Blackstenius looked to make her mark, but was unlucky with her attempt on goal. Alessia Russo then registered an effort but her shot was caught by Tullis-Joyce.

Arsenal continued to search for the opening goal and captain Kim Little chipped the ball through to Smith, but the angle was too tight and she sent her shot wide of the post. Caitlin Foord then struck an effort from a little over 20 yards out, but the ball again flew wide of the target.

Julia Zigiotti Olme registered a rare shot on goal for Manchester United, but she couldn’t keep the ball down before Arsenal substitute Frida Maanum failed to test Tullis-Joyce with a shot.

The final chance of the game fell the way of Ella Toone, but her powerful shot was punched away by Van Domselaar as the scoreline remained at 0-0.

Both sides return to action next weekend. Manchester United travel to Liverpool while Arsenal play host to Aston Villa.