Arsenal Women were held to a goalless draw for the first time under Renée Slegers’ management as the Gunners struggled to break down Manchester United on Sunday. Here are Three Things We Learned from the game.

1. “Matt would have wanted them to play”

Women’s football and the wider game remains in shock and sadness following the tragic death of the popular, charismatic and quite frankly legendary former Women’s Super League manager Matt Beard on Saturday. Beard’s former side Liverpool postponed their game against Aston Villa, but every over match went ahead. 

United had recruited two of Beard’s colleagues onto their coaching staff this summer, whilst Arsenal signed two of his former players in Olivia Smith and Taylor Hinds. “They both said that Matt would have wanted them to play, and they went out and they did,” Renée Slegers revealed. 

“There was a lot of emotion, I think. The one minute silence moment, it was really hard for them. It shows a lot of strength, them showing up today for the team. They weren't pressed into any of that, but they wanted to do that. So a lot of strength from them.”

Marc Skinner also spoke beautifully about Beard and how his legacy will live on, and took the time to check on each member of the media, who had all enjoyed good relationships with the likeable figure. Football paled in comparison on Sunday.

A beautifully observed minute’s silence before kick-off on what’s been a difficult day ??“We love you Beardy” spell out the Arsenal fans in the away end pic.twitter.com/GcNV6nAqLa

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) September 21, 2025

2. Blackstenius call fails to pay off

Dropping one of the world’s best strikers into a deeper role is a big call. It worked against West Ham in the second half, with Alessia Russo assisting Stina Blackstenius before scoring twice herself, but the attacking pair were unable to make a similar impact away to Manchester United.

Arsenal’s attacking play was concentrated out wide, with Olivia Smith in particular targeting United’s left side and Caitlin Foord finding joy one on one with Celin Bizet. Blackstenius’ game is about running in behind and stretching defences, but United’s back four sat deep, whilst the midfield kept Russo closely guarded. 

The game only really opened up for Arsenal with the second half introduction of Frida Maanum, with Blackstenius not mustering a shot on goal. Smith came closest, smashing the crossbar from outside the penalty area via a crucial touch from goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

3. Katie Reid for England?

Well, just look at Michelle Agyemang. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, but Katie Reid is just such a joy to watch. The 18-year-old was handed a surprise start against London City Lionesses, and despite conceding a penalty on the opening day, has given Renée Slegers no reason to drop her for either Lotte Wubben-Moy or Laia Codina in the absence of Leah Williamson.

Melvine Malard’s pace put United on the front foot at Leigh Sports Village in what would clearly be Reid’s biggest test yet, and the Lionesses’ U23 international would pass it with flying colours. Reid’s physicality was spot on, her reading of the game is largely impeccable and the academy graduate just looks so comfortable on the ball. Arsenal have unearthed another gem.