Man Utd beat Arsenal as Williamson sustains injury

3 years ago 37

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By Michael EmonsBBC Sport at Leigh Sports Village

Last updated on 3 minutes ago.From the section Women's Football

Alessia Russo celebrates a goal for Manchester United

Manchester United beat fellow title challengers Arsenal to move four points clear at the top of the Women's Super League in a match overshadowed by an injury to England captain Leah Williamson.

England striker Alessia Russo scored with United's first shot on target on the stroke of half-time after Nikita Parris had got free down the right wing and pulled the ball back.

But the goal came 30 minutes after Williamson suffered what appeared to be a serious injury when her leg buckled underneath her, with the player, who can operate in central defence or central midfield, instantly signalling that she needed to be replaced.

It looked like she was going to be carried off on a stretcher, although that eventually was not needed, but Williamson looked in great discomfort as she limped off the field.

The 27-year-old, who captained England to victory at last summer's Euro 2022 and who has played 43 times for her country, will be hoping the injury is not as serious as first feared, with the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand starting on 20 July.

England, one of the favourites to win the competition, play Haiti on 22 July, Denmark six days later and China on 1 August in their three Group D matches.

United are top of the WSL on 44 points from 18 matches, with Chelsea on 40 points from 16 games and Arsenal third on 38 points from 17 matches.

More to follow.

Line-ups

Man Utd Women

Formation 4-2-3-1

27Earps
2BatlleBooked at 85mins
15Le Tissier
5Mannion
6BlundellBooked at 90mins
12LaddBooked at 45mins
10ZelemBooked at 34mins
22ParrisSubstituted forThomasat 88'minutes
7TooneSubstituted forTurnerat 88'minutes
11Galton
23RussoSubstituted forWilliamsat 72'minutes

Substitutes

8Bøe Risa
9Thomas
14Riviere
17García
20Tounkara
21Turner
28Williams
29Cascarino
32Baggaley

Arsenal Women

Formation 4-3-3

1Zinsberger
26WienroitherSubstituted forBeattieat 45'minutes
3Wubben-Moy
2Carvalho Souza
16Maritz
12Maanum
6WilliamsonSubstituted forQueiroz Costaat 15'minutesBooked at 45minsSubstituted forTaylorat 73'minutes
13Wälti
21Pelova
25Blackstenius
22KühlSubstituted forCatleyat 45'minutes

Substitutes

5Beattie
7Catley
14D'Angelo
18Marckese
20Queiroz Costa
27Taylor
29Goldie
59Agyemang

Referee:Abigail Byrne

Attendance:6,658

Live Text

Match ends, Manchester United Women 1, Arsenal Women 0.
Second Half ends, Manchester United Women 1, Arsenal Women 0.
Attempt missed. Manuela Zinsberger (Arsenal Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box following a corner.
Corner, Arsenal Women. Conceded by Aoife Mannion.
Foul by Jodie Taylor (Arsenal Women).
Foul by Ona Batlle (Manchester United Women).
Hannah Blundell (Manchester United Women) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul by Hannah Blundell (Manchester United Women).
Victoria Pelova (Arsenal Women) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Attempt blocked. Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal Women) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Attempt blocked. Jen Beattie (Arsenal Women) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Lia Wälti.
Corner, Arsenal Women. Conceded by Hannah Blundell.
Katie Zelem (Manchester United Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Frida Maanum (Arsenal Women).
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Substitution, Manchester United Women. Millie Turner replaces Ella Toone.
Substitution, Manchester United Women. Martha Thomas replaces Nikita Parris because of an injury.
Delay in match because of an injury Nikita Parris (Manchester United Women).
Attempt missed. Frida Maanum (Arsenal Women) right footed shot from outside the box is too high from a direct free kick.
Ona Batlle (Manchester United Women) is shown the yellow card for hand ball.