Arsenal Women’s Unbeaten Run Finally Toppled – Rachel Crook Rosebery School

At kick off at the Emirates Stadium (a pitch typically resrved for the Arsenal men’s use), a large crowd of 40,064 fans piled into the stadium, with pitch side tickets going for £6.50. It looked to be a tough game for both teams, with Arsenal having a 100% record this season and Manchester United only having lost one game, showing the small margin between them. However, with key players injured, such as England captain Leah Williamson and Rafaelle Souza, who often take control of games, Arsenal may have been slightly at a disadvantage going into this one.

Manchester United did not sit back, they dominated the first half, holding the ball well and going forward with pace and strength. The Gunner’s goalkeeper, Manuela Zinsberger, was repeatedly tested, until the force of Red Devils could be held back no longer, with Lioness, Ella Toone, scoring.

Arsenal made a comeback in the second half with goals from Maanum and full back Weinroither, who had an excellent second half, scoring a volley on the back post. However, the 3 points slipped away from Arsenal’s hands as late goals from Turner and Russo, meant in the space of 5 minutes, Manchester United had sealed their victory in extra time.
Despite a clear winning team, both sets of players were met with cheers as they went to clap and greet their respective fans as they walked along the side of the pitch. Arsenal’s Leah Williamson joined her team’s walk round the pitchside, after already being met by an eruption of cheers just before the match, as she made an appearance at the sideline.

The crowd of over 40,000 reflects the growing popularity of women’s football and the welcome to Leah Williamson, also reflects the growing attention to its stars. With a successful Euros and a season where the title spot of the WSL seems to have strong competition, the stadiums will surely continue to fill.