Manchester United and Chelsea both continued their unbeaten starts to the Women's Super League season as a stunning Anna Sandberg strike earned the Red Devils a well-deserved 1-1 draw against the champions, who dropped points for the first time this season. Wieke Kaptein scored an early opener for the Blues and both sides could have gone on to clinch victory in an entertaining encounter between the two early pace-setters.
Man United came into the game having never beaten Chelsea in the WSL, but had the better of much of the first half as they showed just why they have begun the new season unbeaten. Marc Skinner's Red Devils could have gone to the summit of the table with victory, and played like a team with a point to prove.
United striker Elisabeth Terland forced the game's first save early on, before Ella Toone freed Jess Park on the break but she could only clip the ball over. The early signs of encouragement were there, though, until Chelsea took the lead against the run of play in the ninth minute. It was a moment of undoubted quality. Catarina Macario back-heeled the ball into the onrushing Kaptein, who calmly passed the ball beyond Phallon Tullis-Joyce and into the back of the net.
The home side would soon be level, though, and what a goal it was. Receiving a knock-down from Toone, left-back Sandberg hit the ball first time on the volley and saw her strike nestle perfectly into the corner of the net. It was a goal which even the champions could do nothing about.
United were the better side for much of the second period, Fridolina Rolfo seeing a deflected strike rebound off the top of the crossbar while Toone struck just over on a couple of occasions. If any side would win, it looked like the Red Devils – until a couple of nervy moments late on, where Keira Walsh forced a smart save while Dominique Jansen caused a nervy moment for her goalkeeper. One final cross by Blues substitute Alyssa Thompson sailed agonisingly out of play and the referee blew the final whistle after an enthralling encounter.
GOAL rates Manchester United's players from Progress with Unity Stadium…
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Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10):
The Red Devils shot-stopper made several important saves, including one top-class stop from Wieke Kaptein in the first half which she had no right to make from point-blank range. Got down low to keep out Walsh, while sliding at the feet of Thompson to prevent the Blues striker getting in on goal after a defensive error.
Jayde Riviere (6/10):
Did her job admirably as Chelsea's forward line were frustrated. Her opposite number Aggie Beever-Jones ended her impressive five-game goalscoring streak, which is always a bonus for the full-back.
Maya Le Tissier (8/10):
The United captain made history by becoming the first WSL player to start 71 consecutive league matches for one club. She led by example as ever, marshalling the back line and making crucial blocks at either end of the 90. A brave double block almost created a goal for her side on the break early on, before Le Tissier put her body on the line in stoppage time to preserve the result.
Dominique Jansen (6/10):
Had a tough task dealing with the Chelsea front line and was largely solid until a short back-pass late on, with her goalkeeper needing to come out and save Jansen's blushes at the feet of Thompson. Also could have been tighter on Macario before her audacious back-heel for the Chelsea goal.
Anna Sandberg (8/10):
What a goal it was by the full-back to get her side level. Her very first goal for United, you would have never been able to tell as the 22-year-old volleyed home from long range.
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Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):
Kept things ticking in midfield, while looking to play incisive passes to set United away on the attack. Did not allow the Blues to dominate in the middle of the park.
Julia Zigiotti Olme (6/10):
The Swede joined from Bayern Munich in the summer and looks at ease alongside her new team-mates. Did both sides of the game well against a tough Chelsea midfield.
Ella Toone (8/10):
The Lionesses hero showed her combination of industry and technical quality to drive United into attacking positions and create chances. She could have had a goal herself but could only shoot over the crossbar from a couple of presentable positions on the edge of the area. Also grabbed the assist for Sandberg's stunning strike.
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Jess Park (8/10):
Park was a bright spark in attacking areas, looking to take the game to her full-back and get shots off on goal. Though she did not provide the finish necessary to get herself on the scoresheet, her enthusiasm was clear to see.
Elisabeth Terland (6/10):
The Norwegian striker had a shot saved early on but had a largely quiet evening. Replaced just before the hour mark.
Fridolina Rolfo (6/10):
The versatile former Barcelona ace was playing further forward down the left and caused the away defence her fair share of problems. She saw a deflected strike rebound off the bar while combining well with Toone to create opportunities.
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Melvine Malard (7/10):
Brought on for Terland after an hour and posed a threat to the Chelsea defence, cutting in on one occasion to force a save from Hannah Hampton.
Celine Bizet (N/A):
Replaced Riviere for the final exchanges as United looked to make an attacking change and take the game to their visitors. Though this meant they had to withstand a final late siege at the other end.
Rachel Williams (N/A):
Showed enterprise when she came on late on, looking to drive forward and make things happen on the break.
Marc Skinner (8/10):
Set up his side not only to contain the champions, but to take the game to them. United were very well deserving of a point, and could have had all three on another day.