Smilla Holmberg rescues point for Arsenal Women in dramatic draw

Smilla Holmberg scored a 95th-minute volley to rescue a point for Arsenal Women against Manchester United. The 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday leaves Renée Slegers's side sixth in the FA WSL on five points after three games, four points behind leaders Manchester City.

Julia Zigiotti Olme had given Manchester United the lead in the 67th minute, capitalising on a period of pressure from Eva Olid's team. Arsenal, who had drawn 0-0 at home to Crystal Palace in their previous WSL fixture, struggled to convert their dominance into goals once more. They had managed just one goal from 43 shots across their opening two league matches before Holmberg's dramatic intervention.

Slegers admits dropped points

Renée Slegers acknowledged the frustration of consecutive home draws. “It’s not ideal, it’s not what we wanted at all, four lost points,” the Arsenal manager said. She added, “It’s round three in the WSL, there are a lot of games left to play. Let’s see in May, how it ends.”

The equaliser arrived from a deep, diagonal ball by Leah Williamson, which Holmberg met with a first-time finish past goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. The goal sparked an eruption from the home crowd and left visiting players slumped on the turf. The result extends Arsenal's unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions, a sequence you can review on our stats page.

United's defensive resolve

For Manchester United, the point marks a step forward under new manager Eva Olid, who was taking charge of her third WSL game. “After losing 5-0, the focus this week was the defensive shape, because I think the attack will come,” Olid explained. “Implementing a new style of play needs time. But the effort, the hard work, the intensity, that can never be missing.”

Arsenal's attack, featuring the likes of Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord and Mariona Caldentey, created chances but found United's rearguard stubborn. The team's current standing of sixth, with two goals scored and one conceded, highlights the need for greater cutting edge. Their upcoming fixtures present a stern test, starting with a trip to face third-placed Chelsea on 27 September.

That match is a repeat of last month's meeting, which Arsenal won 2-1. Slegers will hope the late drama against United can spark a more prolific run of form as her squad prepares for a critical period in the title race. The manager retains belief, stating, “We believe in the quality of the squad. When that starts clicking, it’s going to be really good.” Arsenal's next league assignment is away to Chelsea on Sunday.

First reported at The Guardian Football