Late goal nets Arsenal draw at Manchester United in WSL

Updated: Oct 6, 2023, 11:16 pm

Cloe Lacasse's stunning late equaliser rescued a 2-2 draw for Arsenal against a revitalised Manchester United side in front of a record crowd of 8,312 at Leigh Sports Village on a rare dose of WSL Friday night football.

Arsenal, without a win against United since 2011, struck early against the team that finished directly above them in second place last season. Steph Catley's pass was picked up by Stina Blackstenius for the Swede to dance into the box and finish low into the net.

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But the hosts fired back just before the half-hour. Leah Galton's presence was enough to see Arsenal goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo miskick her clearance, leaving the goal open for an easy finish for the United winger.

Arsenal's Cloe Lacasse celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with team-mates during the Barclays Women's Super League match at Leigh Sports Village, Leigh.
Arsenal's Cloe Lacasse celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with team-mates during the Barclays Women's Super League match at Leigh Sports Village, Leigh.
Will Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images

United were given a scare when Alessia Russo, making her return to Leigh after signing for the Gunners, clipped the woodwork with a solo effort. The home side then looked to have claimed all three points when debutant Melvine Malard snuck in to score with nine minutes remaining. 

Instead, there was still time for one final twist. Lacasse shimmied outside of the box before letting fly to the top left corner to salvage a point for the Gunners and put an end to their losing streak dating back to last season.