Malard scores late to rescue point for Man Utd against Arsenal
Manchester United substitute Melvine Malard scored a late equaliser to secure a point against Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village.
It cancelled out Alessia Russo's first goal of the Women's Super League season, which it looked would give the Gunners victory.
The England international has struggled in front of goal this season but looked sharp against her former club and eventually found the net in a dominant second-half display.
With England manager Sarina Wiegman watching, Russo drilled the ball past goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce minutes after team-mate Lia Walti struck the post.
But it was not enough to take Arsenal over the line as Marc Skinner's second-half substitutions had an impact and Malard's header bobbled over goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar's outstretched hand.
It denied the Gunners a third victory under interim manager Renee Slegers as they continue to regroup following the departure of Jonas Eidevall.
"You know against the top teams it will be important to win, especially from where we come from, and that's why the disappointment is so big," said Slegers.
"We did a lot of things well. We had lots of involvement from the players on what we wanted to achieve in this block of games and we did a lot of those things.
"Performance-wise there were a lot of positives, but then again the disappointment was only [gaining] one point."
United, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in their opening five matches and this result keeps them within touching distance of league leaders Manchester City.
Manchester United remain unbeaten in the WSL this season
Arsenal perform well but miss out on victory
'It had to be her!' - Ex-United striker Russo scores to give Arsenal lead
It was a busy afternoon at Leigh Sports Village with all four stands open to accommodate the 1,200 travelling fans, as well as United's vocal supporters, contributing to a record 8,348 crowd.
Among those in attendance was United sporting director Dan Ashworth and head of women's football Matt Johnson, and they will have been encouraged by the first-half display.
United started brightly as England duo Grace Clinton and Ella Toone switched positions regularly, swapping from the left side to the centre, while striker Elisabeth Terland was a handful.
But Arsenal did well to eliminate Clinton's threat and goalkeeper Van Domselaar kept out Terland's header as they started to impose themselves more.
Walti had the best chances either side of Russo's goal, striking the post with a powerful shot from the edge of the box before sending another effort inches over the bar deep in stoppage time.
Overall, Arsenal looked more organised than in recent weeks, with defender Leah Williamson returning to the starting XI and putting in an assured performance after a week of scrutiny while playing for England.
Slegers said she was "happy" for Russo to score her first goal of the season and expects more to come.
"She's a great player and works very hard in training every day. She's humble, asks questions and wants to get better," said Slegers.
"Those players, with that mindset, will develop. I'm happy for her. She's been getting into good positions for a long time."
But this was ultimately a disappointing result given Arsenal's dominance for most of the second half.
United's substitutions made a difference with Rachel Williams combining with Malard to provide the equaliser, and Skinner's side remain unbeaten,
"You have to stay in the game. You have to take the point. We weren't at our best but I'm happy we take the point," said Skinner.
"We leave the game in a positive frame and we have learned lots. Arsenal have invested for many years and we're chasing that. We know that.
"But these games are tight. I'm happy with it. I'm happy with the fact we've come out with a point."
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