Late Holmberg Volley Denies United First Win After Much-Improved Display At Arsenal

Manchester United were seconds away from a season-changing win at the Emirates. Smilla Holmberg's stoppage-time volley earned Arsenal a 1-1 draw in the Women's Super League on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

Julia Zigiotti gave United the lead after pouncing on a mistake by Georgia Stanway. The lead held until deep into added time, when Holmberg struck to rescue a point for the hosts in the 5.30pm kick-off at Emirates Stadium The Guardian.

It stung. United are still waiting for their first league win of the season after that late twist in north London. Arsenal, who had said before the game they wanted to return to winning ways, avoided defeat but dropped points at home.

The result felt bigger than one point because of where United had been. They lost their opening two league matches, including a 5-0 defeat by Chelsea. In those first two games under new manager Eva Olid they managed just two shots on target and held less than 40% of possession, which is simply a measure of time on the ball, in both matches BBC.

Olid, 41, took charge in the summer after joining from Hearts. She replaced Marc Skinner. After the Chelsea loss, she spoke of an intense week with a lot of emotions from players and staff, and said the focus had been on defensive shape to give the players more confidence.

That work showed. United again had only 40% possession at Arsenal, but they won more duels, which are the individual battles for the ball, made more tackles and completed more interceptions than the home side. Olid made two changes from the Chelsea defeat, bringing Anna Sandberg and Simi Awujo into the starting side Manchester United.

What makes this stand out is the shift in feel. BBC analysis described the display as a major sign of progress despite the late equaliser. United pressed with energy, stayed compact without the ball and looked sure of their plan in a way they had not in the first two weeks.

For fans, this means something to hold on to. The season started with talk of a title challenge, with 28-year-old Zigiotti Olme saying before the campaign that United expected to push hard for a first WSL title under Olid. The league has expanded to 14 teams this season, and the margins are tight.

The history added edge too. When these sides met in January, United held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw. This time they went closer. The game was shown live on Sky Sports Football for supporters not at the ground, with adult tickets from £19 at the Emirates.

United left with one point and a familiar ache. But after two defeats and a bruising week, they left with belief as well.