Manchester United hold Arsenal 1-1 as Eva Olid's side show defensive resilience
Manchester United earn point at Emirates after defensive reset
A week ago the picture for Manchester United looked bleaker than it did at full-time on Saturday. Regardless of the stoppage-time equaliser they conceded at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, United's performance marked a major sign of progress under new manager Eva Olid.
Defeats in their opening two Women's Super League matches, including a 5-0 thrashing by Chelsea, left a long list of questions for Olid. United were disorganised, lacking identity and wide open at the back as the new era began in disappointing fashion.
A gutsy defensive display against Arsenal delivered a well-earned 1-1 draw and they were only denied victory by a 95th-minute leveller. While United's wait for a first WSL win of the season continues, the performance suggested there may not be quite the cause for concern many suspected.
What changed
Olid, 41, took over in the summer from Hearts and promised an attacking style built on possession. In the first two games United had just two shots on target and less than 40% possession in both matches.
Before the Arsenal game Olid said she wanted players to believe in themselves, show confidence and return to defensive roots built under predecessor Marc Skinner.
"It has been an intense week because there were a lot of emotions from players and staff. Nobody wants to lose 5-0," said Olid. "We grew as a team. The first day after losing 5-0 is not easy for anyone. We spoke and said we needed energy this week and a positive mindset. The focus was the defensive shape. It's trying to get them more confidence."
United looked well organised in an even first half. Midfielder Simi Awujo stood out while Andrea Medina tracked back effectively. They won more duels than Arsenal, put in more tackles and completed more interceptions than their opponents, despite still having only 40% possession.
Former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen told Sky Sports: "Manchester United have done a terrific job defensively. Overall, it's just been solid. It looks so much better. The addition of Awujo has added some running power and they look so much freer in the final third."
Goal and late heartbreak
United led from midway through the second half after Julia Zigiotti, who joined United from Bayern Munich last year, seized on a mistake from Georgia Stanway.
Arsenal's pressure grew in an edgy second half but United held on until Smilla Holmberg's late volley denied them the spoils in the 95th minute.
"I think the attacking will come," Olid said. "If you implement a new style of play, you need time. That effort, that intensity, can never be missed. We deserved three points for the hard work and the effort. Of course, we need to create more chances. That is why I'm here. We need time, but today is the minimum that we have to deliver. I hope we can improve the attacking side."
Next steps
United were already difficult to break down under Skinner but came up short in big games against WSL title rivals. In three Women's FA Cup finals they won once against Tottenham, falling to Chelsea on the other two occasions. Four years have passed since they won at Emirates Stadium and the heavy defeat by Chelsea last week showed the gap to the elite remains.
Olid was brought in to transform their style with an attacking philosophy. Patience was waning after the early defeats, so the side reverted to what they knew.
"We are a team who need to press high, but at the same time we want to be better with the ball," Olid said on Sky Sports. "We lose simple passes and we cannot recognise the free player. Those things need to improve. It will come, I'm sure. But we need to keep this [defensive structure], then from there, little by little, be an attacking team, create more chances, score more goals. I cannot pretend it's happening in four weeks, but I'm sure it will come."