Arsenal beat Manchester United in thriller to clinch second place in WSL
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Arsenal secured second place in the Women’s Super League with a dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester United on the final day of the season at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite back-to-back defeats in their previous two league outings, the Gunners came into the season finale knowing a draw would be enough to finish runners-up behind unbeaten champions Chelsea. They went one better — producing a spirited and attacking performance to end their campaign on a high in front of their home fans.
Renee Slegers’ side made a lightning start, taking the lead just 115 seconds in through loanee Chloe Kelly, who capitalised on a rare mistake from United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. However, United responded quickly, with Ella Toone heading home from a corner just 10 minutes later to level the score.
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“It’s great playing for this club,” said Kelly after the match. “I’m grateful to represent this badge and play with a smile again. Hopefully, I’ve repaid that.” The winger, widely regarded as the standout performer on the pitch, set the tone for a fast-paced and fiercely contested encounter.
After defensive struggles in recent games — conceding nine goals across defeats to Aston Villa and Brighton — Arsenal looked much more composed on home turf. A ruthless 16-minute second-half spell saw the hosts take control, with Mariona Caldentey, Frida Maanum and Kim Little all finding the net to give Arsenal a commanding 4-1 lead.
But the drama was far from over. Two uncharacteristic errors from Katie McCabe allowed United back into the contest. Substitute Elisabeth Terland punished a loose pass to score her 10th goal of the season before Maya Le Tissier converted from the penalty spot after Celin Bizet was brought down in the box.
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United pressed for an equaliser, but Arsenal held on in a nervy finale to secure all three points and finish on 48 — four clear of third-place United, but still 12 behind Emma Hayes’ dominant Chelsea side.
Reflecting on the result, head coach Slegers praised her team’s mentality under pressure: “We understood the challenge coming into this game. Coming off our last two matches, we wanted to get things right. But we also knew United were playing to take second from us.
“I’m mostly happy with the way we stayed level-headed today and kept on believing. We had to accept the chaos at times, win duels, protect the ball, and scrap for second and third balls. That’s part of football too, and I’m proud we found a way to win.”
Arsenal now turn their attention to the UEFA Women’s Champions League final against Barcelona on May 18 — a fitting finale to a rollercoaster season for the north London club.
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