Arsenal Women’s winless run at Leigh Sports Village continued as the Gunners drew 0-0 with Manchester United as both sides dropped their first points of the season.

Olivia Smith rattled the crossbar from the edge of the box in the first half after Melvine Malard drew an early save from Daphne van Domselaar.

Neither side were able to get into their rhythm throughout in a physical affair, with refereeing decisions drawing the ire of the home supporters. Teenage defender Katie Reid kept her place at centre-back, and subdued the lively Malard impressively.

Arsenal haven’t won away to United since 2021, and pushed for a breakthrough late on with substitutes Frida Maanum and Chloe Kelly trying to open the game up.

However, United’s defence held firm as Arsenal failed to score in the Women’s Super League for the first time since defeat away to Chelsea in January.

Player ratings:

Daphne van Domselaar 5.5/10

An important save after just 38 seconds to deny Melvine Malard at her near post. A little shaky handling crosses, having fumbled one into her own net away to West Ham last time out. Will be pleased to have done enough for a clean sheet.

Katie McCabe 5/10

Off the boil by her standards, never really getting into the game and sloppy on the ball. Replaced in the second half.

Steph Catley 6/10

Has been excellent alongside Katie Reid and made an excellent recovery tackle in the second half having given the ball away initially.

Katie Reid 8.5/10

A big test to go up against the pacy Melvine Malard. An important block in the first half after van Domselaar spilled a low cross. Comfortable on the ball and barely put a foot wrong.

Emily Fox 6.5/10

Dovetailed with Olivia Smith as Arsenal targeted United’s left side.

Mariona Caldentey 6.5/10

Glided across the midfield but wasn’t able to create much in attack. Her weaker games are still decent performances, so that’s saying something.

Kim Little 6/10

Not ineffective in and around the box- should go for goal more. Martin Odegaard springs to mind!

Caitlin Foord 6.5/10

Worked hard defensively and enjoyed herself in attack against Celin Bizet, driving at the defender and consistently cutting inside.

Alessia Russo 6/10

Scored twice and assisted against West Ham from a deeper role and started in the ten against her former club, with Stina Blackstenius upfront, in a move that didn’t work out for Arsenal. Booed by a number of the home fans.

Olivia Smith 6/10

Replaced Beth Mead on the right wing on what can only have been a difficult game for the Canadian, who was signed by Matt Beard at Liverpool. Smashed the crossbar from the edge of the box in the first half.

Stina Blackstenius 5/10

Made her first start of the season but was quiet, with little service into her. Didn’t register a shot.

Frida Maanum (Sub, 65’) 6.5/10

Fired wide from the edge of the box not long after coming on, opening the game up a little more for Arsenal.

Taylor Hinds (Sub, 65’) 6/10

Came on for McCabe at left-back and was solid.

Chloe Kelly (Sub, 65’) 6/10

Volleyed over from Russo’s knock-down.

Beth Mead (Sub, 79’)

Subs not used: Manu Zinsberger, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina, Victoria Pelova, Kyra Cooney-Cross.