Author: Kristina Němcová (@stinanemcova)
WSL has played its first match after the winter break, with Arsenal hosting Manchester United at the Emirates. Although the home team had 25 shots on goal and had an advantage from the 65th minute onwards, the match ended 0:0. Winter signings got their chances on both sides.
- Arsenal fans decided to support their midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross and her mother Jess. The Australian international is absent because she flew to Australia to be with her family after learning that her mother has stage IV cancer. Her teammates warmed up in jerseys with her number 32, and in the 32nd minute of the match, fans displayed a choreographed display in support of Kyra and her family.
- Arsenal had a clear advantage in terms of chances created. United were only dangerous at the start, when Rolfö attacked with a header, but Borbe saved the shot. Arsenal pressed for the rest of the match with 25 shots, but Tullis-Joyce kept a clean sheet.
Successfull debuts
- The Gunners had a one-woman advantage from the 64th minute, when Jayde Riviere received her second yellow card. However, Manchester United managed to defend their numerical disadvantage.
- Lea Schüller came on for United in the 60th minute, followed by Hanna Lundkvist in the 71st minute. Arsenal's new signing Smilla Holmberg made her debut in the 83rd minute. It was a debut for all three players with their new clubs.
- It was a successful debut – Lundkvist managed to thwart Alessia Russo's chance, while Holmberg created several scoring opportunities. Her accurate pass found Stina Blackstenius, but her shot was blocked by Dominique Janssen.
- The match did not change the standings, with Arsenal still in third place, one point ahead of United.
