Manchester United player ratings as Aoife Mannion and Alessia Russo impress vs Arsenal

Manchester United brought the game to Arsenal on Wednesday night, Alessia Russo gave the hosts the lead heading into the break. Her first touch finish at the penalty spot came from Nikita Parris’s pull back which dismantled the Arsenal defence.

The win gives United their first double over the North London side and a four point cushion in the Women’s Super League table 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 knowledge that a win was in the air.

Marc Skinner's side were first to the ball, working off one-touch proactive movements in complete contrast to their rusty performance against Brighton just days before. Definitely the hungrier side throughout the entire 90 minutes, they also possessed the uncanny ability to read each Arsenal attack and remain one step ahead.

Arsenal increased pressure at the hour mark but to no avail, credit to the visitors who went unphased by a potential injury blow to Leah Williamson within the opening 15 minutes of play.

Player ratings

Mary Earps - Not had much to do, sprayed the ball out efficiently as the fifth defender. Her first save came just before the break. Confident punch out of a busy box and confident claims in the second half. 8

Ona Batlle - Got straight into the game with a killer run in the early minutes, with a dangerous pullback for Katie Zelem to capitalise. Such a threat in attack 8

Aoife Mannion - Solid start for the newly rotated centre-back, her energy and strength to stand the ball up was a great help to slow down the Arsenal attack. Impressed with her quick pass and move to work around the