Arsenal’s poor start to the campaign means they are playing catch-up in the title race and their first priority is to secure a place in the top three – and Champions League football next season.
The current European champions knew this was a crucial opportunity to close the gap at the top of the table.
England captain Leah Williamson was in from the start for the first time this WSL season after recovering from a knee injury and was a threat with her build-up play from the back.
But Arsenal’s creativity was not the problem – it was their ruthlessness in front of goal, which has been an issue all season.
Asked if that was the main reason for “two points dropped” by Arsenal, Slegers said: “Yes, definitely. There is a lot of things we did really well in the game.
“I think the game craft was good and how we dealt with different moments in the game, but the ball has to go in [the net]. That didn’t happen today.”
While United did well to reduce Arsenal’s width, the Gunners still had plenty of opportunities to make their dominance count but they couldn’t capitalise on them.
Russo came the closest with her efforts either side of the break, which called United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce into action, while Little, Mariona Caldentey and Frida Maanum all sliced efforts high and wide.
United did everything they could to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm, with Tullis-Joyce going down to receive treatment at intervals when manager Marc Skinner needed to speak with his team.
Arsenal were without midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross after she returned to Australia this week to be with her mother, Jess, who has been diagnosed with incurable cancer.
Supporters marching to the Emirates before kick-off held up placards that read: “We love you Kyra and Jess” and held them up in the stadium in the 32nd minute as fans applauded in support.
Players also warmed up in shirts with Cooney-Cross’ name and number 32 on the back.
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