Alessia Russo scores against former club as Arsenal draw with Manchester United

Alessia Russo scored against her former club but Manchester United snatched a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in front of a record crowd at Leigh Sports Village.

With interim boss Renee Slegers looking to make it three wins in a row since stepping in following the resignation of Jonas Eidevall, the visitors dominated proceedings.

It appeared the majority of the 8,348 fans in attendance would go home disappointed when Russo netted her first Women’s Super League goal of the season in the 63rd minute.

But Melvine Malard ensured Marc Skinner’s 100th match as boss ended with a point, netting a scrappy equaliser seven minutes from time as United remained unbeaten.

The hosts began on the front foot as they tried to reassert their authority after their 100 per cent record came to an end with a draw against Brighton last time out.

Ella Toone sent the first shot towards Daphne van Domselaar’s goal but it was weak and easily held by the keeper.

A quick Arsenal break saw Russo shoot just wide, and she came even closer a few minutes later with an effort that flew just over Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s goal via a crucial deflection off Millie Turner.

The defender was making her 150th appearance for the club, and she was a crucial figure in the first half as Arsenal pressed well and drew errors from the home side.

The Gunners came close several times from crosses but neither Frida Maanum nor Caitlin Foord could take advantage of decent openings, while Elisabeth Terland’s header from Celin Bizet’s cross was comfortably saved by Van Domselaar in United’s only real chance.

Both teams made changes at the break, Beth Mead coming on for Maanum for Arsenal and Simi Awujo replacing Lisa Naalsund in the United line-up.

But the momentum remained with the visitors, who ramped up the pressure on Tullis-Joyce’s goal.

Russo will feel she should have done better than head straight at the United keeper from close range before Lia Walti caught a long-range effort very well but saw it strike the outside of the post.

Skinner reacted by making two more changes, sending on Jayde Riviere and Malard for Aoife Mannion and a clearly annoyed Toone.

But moments later the breakthrough did come for Arsenal, Russo sweeping in the opener from Emily Fox’s cutback in front of watching England boss Sarina Wiegman and earning boos from the fans who used to cheer for her.

She might have had a couple more, with United barely able to make it out of their half, but the introductions of Rachel Williams and Geyse made a difference and, with time running out, they found an unlikely equaliser.

Williams got her head to Gabby George’s corner and, as Van Domselaar flapped, Malard nodded in.