Draw against Chelsea shows United progress in WSL

Manchester United 1 - 1 Chelsea

Marc Skinner's side have now drawn with Arsenal and Chelsea this season. This feels like a sign of progress.

Author | Liam C

Stadium | Leigh Sports Village Stadium

United had taken just one point from their previous 11 league meetings with Chelsea, but fully earned a second thanks to Anna Sandberg’s outstanding volley which cancelled out Wieke Kaptein’s early strike.

It was the first time Chelsea had dropped points since March and, in her 27th league game since succeeding Emma Hayes, Sonia Bompastor came as close as she has yet to suffering a domestic defeat. The French manager’s frustration boiled over when she berated the fourth official after a decision in United’s box, earning a yellow card from Abigail Byrne and jeers from the home crowd behind her.

The introduction of Sam Kerr after the interval could not tip the balance. Chelsea dominated the closing stages, hemming United in, but could not find a way through.

United might even have stolen victory themselves. Ella Toone spurned chances either side of half-time, while Jess Park’s dipping volley was not far away in the second period.

Both teams remain unbeaten heading into their opening Champions League fixtures next week, although United could slip from second place depending on the weekend’s results.

In addition, United brought Chelsea’s perfect start to the Women’s Super League to an end with this draw. An added psychological bonus perhaps.

Statement performance from Man United

The display will strengthen the belief in this United side that they can compete and get results. It was not three points, but becoming the first team to take anything off Chelsea this season is significant.

Playing a part in shaping the WSL title race while also pushing for Champions League qualification sends a clear message. If they needed to remind their own club of their ambition, they could not have made it more emphatic than with this performance.