Positivity beckons for Gunners despite goalless WSL return

Here's Stephan Georgiou with Three Things We Learned after Arsenal Women draw against Manchester United 

Arsenal Women returned after the winter break to record a frustrating goalless draw against 10-player Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.

1- Arsenal's tremendous support for Kyra Cooney-Cross and her family 

After over a month since the last clash in N5, the North Bank was awash once again with Arsenal flags as the brass band played a series of fan favourites from the songbook.

The Gunners' return to the pitch was emotionally marked, with the players donning training shirts in support of Kyra Cooney-Cross, who recently returned home following her mother's cancer diagnosis.

The Arsenal faithful paid a heartwarming tribute after 32 minutes with a touching standing ovation and applause.

2 - Arsenal dominate without scoring 

As for the match itself, Renee Slegers' side were handed the opportunity to edge ahead of Chelsea in the WSL table, though it was the visitors who had the best chance in the early stages, with Anneke Borbe superbly tipping Fridolina Rolfo's header onto the bar.

The raucous atmosphere cranked up a notch when United's Jayde Riviere saw red for a foolish challenge on Caitlin Foord that brought about her second yellow.

From there, Arsenal dominated, but not before Red Devils goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce drew the ire of the Gunners crowd after rather brazenly going down just moments after her side were reduced to 10.Arsenal weren't able to find a winner despite being passionately urged on during a freezing afternoon in north London, with Victoria Pelova perhaps going closest before Kim Little shot wide late on.

The second-half domination turned out to be a false dawn for Slegers' side amid plenty on the horizon to be excited about.

3 - Reasons to be cheerful 

Whether it be the manager's new contract, Smilla Holmberg's brief promising debut, the upcoming Champions Cup ties, a Women's Champions League final documentary or the resumption of this season's campaign, 2026 may yet be another special year for Arsenal Women.

Saturday also saw a return to a WSL starting lineup for Leah Williamson for the first time this season, while Gunners great Danielle Carter was honoured with her England legacy cap as she emotionally announced her retirement. Alas, it was almost a perfect day.

Eyes will now turn towards next week's cup tie at Meadow Park as AWFC begin their bid for a first FA Cup success since 2016, when Carter's winner handed Arsenal their record 14th triumph.