Manchester United womens team travelled to the Emirates this Saturday, 17th of Febuary for a WSL league fixture. With the stadium being sold out it was set up to be a competitive match with both teams fighting to top 4 places within the league, every match is important to win.
But what they weren't expecting was a 3-1 loss, the result being totally down to United's poor defensive display and Arsenal's attacking masterclass. Perhaps the occasion got the best of the united girls or was it truly down to manager, mark skinners rouge substitution choices. The three goals scored by arsenal were all down to defensive mistakes, one being a penalty which Kim little put away nicely as usual. Another being a unfortunate own goal by Geyse after a cross came flying into the box and mis communication led to a deflection off the united player which Mary Earps could not get too in time. The third goal was scored by Chloe Lacasse after a great finish and build up play mixed with a three person back line meant that they had a lot of space.
Mark started with the formation 4321 but ended up playing majority attacking players in the second half. With attacking player Leah Galton being forced to track back and play as a right wing back, this sparked questions regarding united future with this not being the first time fans have questions skinners choices.
Some United fans are blaming this for the poor result, or was it the lack of quality when counter attacking. United attack wasn't the problem on saturday, the issue lied within the midfield and defence phrehaps the communication wasn't as smooth as it normally is. No matter their result united look ahead to their next game against West Ham on the third of march after the upcoming international break. Hoping to return their excellent form they began the season with.