Arsenal 1-1 Man United: Blackstenius nets first WSL goal as Gunners rescue draw after McCabe red card

Stina Blackstenius’ first Arsenal goal earned the Gunners a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the Women’s Super League on Saturday.

Arsenal were facing a tall order, down to ten after Katie McCabe’s red card and trailing to Alessia Russo’s opener, but Viviane Miedema’s sensational pass sent January signing Blackstenius clear to level.

Arsenal went into the game unbeaten in their last three matches, having won the last two, but were unable to increase the gap significantly at the top of the WSL table, finishing the match five points ahead of Chelsea in second, who host Manchester City on Sunday.

In the 10th minute, Russo headed home from a Katie Zelem corner to give United the lead, after they had applied much of the early pressure.

United went into the half-time break as the better side, forcing Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall into the early substitution of Caitlin Foord for Tobin Heath.

Ella Toone had an opportunity to double her side’s lead in the 70th minute, when Leah Galton won the ball to play her in, but despite having space, Toone put the ball wide.

McCabe was sent off five minutes later following a second yellow card for a foul on Ona Batlle, but Arsenal did not let up in their search for the leveller.

Blackstenius’ equaliser ensured the points were shared.

Additional reporting by PA.

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.