Five things we learned from Manchester United's WSL win over Arsenal

Manchester United brought the game to Arsenal in their home arena, with Alessia Russo coined the hero of the night. She gave the hosts the lead moments before the break., with a first-touch finish at the penalty spot. The ball came from Nikita Parris’s pull-back which dismantled the Arsenal defence.

The win gave United their first double over the North London side and a four-point cushion in the Women’s Super League standings. Arsenal stay third on equal points with Manchester City in fourth, while Chelsea trail United with two games in hand. No longer considered the underdogs against these top opponents, United played with the belief that a win was on the cards.

Marc Skinner's side played with gusto, determined to be first to the ball, working off one-touch proactive movements in complete contrast to their rusty performance against Brighton just days earlier.

Arsenal increased pressure on the hour mark with spells again in stoppage time but to no avail.

Talking points:

1. Aoife Mannion returns to duty

Before the game, Arsenal’s Jonas Eidevall taunted that Marc Skinner always picks the same 10 players in a starting line-up, and he wouldn’t be far wrong. Skinner's back line of Blundell, Turner, Le Tissier and Battle have been stalwarts. However, after International duty, Manion stepped in and offered United a lot of movement, strength and one incredible performance.

For her first start in the WSL, it was a stellar performance, one of the best on the field, you’d have no idea this was her comeback from two Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries whatsoever. She proved too much for Arsenal and what a player Skinner has back on the roster.

2. United are one step closer to lifting the WSL trophy

The title race heats