Ella Toone’s late strike sent Manchester United top of the Women’s Super League for the first time and ended Arsenal’s 100% start.
Jess Sigsworth chased down a loose ball and squared unselfishly for Toone, whose low shot went in via the post.
The Gunners had racked up 29 goals in their opening five WSL wins, but struggled to carve out chances.
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger prevented further damage with a superb save from Christen Press’ low shot.
United were dealt a blow before kick-off with the loss of England forward Alessia Russo, who is to have surgery on a hamstring injury suffered in training on Friday.
But it was the Reds who created the better chances in a tight game as Joe Montemurro’s free-scoring side failed to create a significant goal threat or build any pressure for record scorer Vivianne Miedema to exploit.
United States international Tobin Heath shot wide of the near post and Toone fired over after a dangerous run from Leah Galton as the pressure built on the visitors.
Just as it seemed United would be frustrated, up popped Toone to seal a fifth straight league win for Casey Stoney’s side and maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Line-ups
Man Utd Women
- 27Earps
- 17Batlle
- 4Turner
- 21Turner
- 11Galton
- 12LaddSubstituted forZelemat 66′minutes
- 14Groenen
- 18HansonSubstituted forSigsworthat 45′minutes
- 7Toone
- 77HeathSubstituted forStaniforthat 78′minutes
- 24PressSubstituted forJamesat 71′minutes
Substitutes
- 1Ramsey
- 3Okvist
- 9Sigsworth
- 10Zelem
- 16James
- 19Ross
- 37Staniforth
Arsenal Women
- 1Zinsberger
- 3Wubben-MoyBooked at 52minsSubstituted forMaierat 78′minutes
- 6Williamson
- 22SchnaderbeckSubstituted forMaceat 90′minutes
- 15McCabe
- 21GutSubstituted forRoordat 60′minutes
- 13Wälti
- 7van de DonkSubstituted forLittleat 59′minutes
- 9Mead
- 11Miedema
- 19Foord
Substitutes
- 10Little
- 14Roord
- 18Williams
- 20Maier
- 24Stenson
- 30Mace
- 32Pearse
- 33Garrard
Live Text
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Match ends, Manchester United Women 1, Arsenal Women 0.
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Second Half ends, Manchester United Women 1, Arsenal Women 0.
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Attempt missed. Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal Women) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Katie McCabe with a cross.
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Corner, Arsenal Women. Conceded by Ona Batlle.
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Attempt blocked. Katie McCabe (Arsenal Women) left footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked.
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Attempt missed. Leonie Maier (Arsenal Women) left footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Kim Little.
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Jackie Groenen (Manchester United Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Kim Little (Arsenal Women).
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Attempt blocked. Millie Turner (Manchester United Women) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Katie Zelem with a cross.
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Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Ruby Mace.
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Attempt blocked. Lucy Staniforth (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Lauren James.
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Foul by Lauren James (Manchester United Women).
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Jill Roord (Arsenal Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Substitution, Arsenal Women. Ruby Mace replaces Viktoria Schnaderbeck because of an injury.
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Attempt blocked. Lauren James (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Katie Zelem.
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Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Leonie Maier.
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Attempt blocked. Leah Galton (Manchester United Women) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is blocked.
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Attempt blocked. Ella Toone (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
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Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Leah Williamson.
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Attempt missed. Lucy Staniforth (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.