Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal: Tullis-Joyce outstanding as United hold Arsenal to goalless draw | OneFootball

In the first major test of the season for both teams, Manchester United hosted Arsenal in an entertaining yet goalless draw at Leigh Sports Village in front of a record crowd.

As it happened

Both teams have made strong starts to the season, each scoring nine goals and winning their opening two matches. While Arsenal last played in their 5-1 rout of West Ham, the Red Devils have also had Champions League qualifying games to contend with, beating SK Brann 3-0 three days before welcoming Arsenal to Manchester.

The game began cagily, with Arsenal continuing their habit of slow starts. The home side created the early chances, as Melvine Malard tested Daphne van Domselaar inside the first minute. Malard, Ella Toone, and Jess Park each went close before the Gunners finally threatened, when Olivia Smith struck the crossbar in the 21st minute.

Although Arsenal started hesitantly – and conceded first – in their opening two matches, they have scored in every game since their Champions League defeat away to Real Madrid in March. This attacking calibre showed as the game progressed: Arsenal had a flurry of chances, with Smith, Alessia Russo, and Caitlin Foord all narrowly missing the target.

United held firm defensively, denying Stina Blackstenius space to make her usual runs and keeping her out of the game. With Russo forced into a deeper role, Arsenal lacked a decisive attacking presence. The visitors dominated possession and attempted more shots overall, but produced a lower xG and fewer efforts on target.

The Gunners’ best chance came when Smith found space on the edge of the box and lined up a precise shot, only for Phallon Tullis-Joyce to tip it over the bar with a superb fingertip save. The home side gained momentum late on with the introduction of Elisabeth Terland, but Arsenal’s teenage defender Katie Reid delivered a strong performance in the continued absence of Leah Williamson.

Although not a disaster for either side, United will be happier with the result. For an Arsenal side tipped to challenge Chelsea for the WSL title, this test may feel like a missed opportunity and points dropped rather than a point gained.

Before and during the match, tributes were held to honor former Liverpool manager Matt Beard, who passed away suddenly on Saturday. Supporters also observed a minute’s applause in memory of former Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack, marking two years since her death this week.

The lineups

MUN: Tullis-Joyce; Bizet, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Zigiotti Olme, Miyazawa; Park, Toone, Rolfö; Malard.

ARS: Van Domselaar; McCabe, Catley, Reid, Fox; Caldentey, Little; Smith, Russo, Foord; Blackstenius.