In a thrilling conclusion to the Barclays Women’s Super League season, Arsenal hosted Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with both teams vying for a crucial second-place finish. Kick-off was set for 12:30 PM BST, and the stakes were high as Arsenal led United by just one point in the standings.
Arsenal entered the match determined to bounce back from recent away defeats to Aston Villa and Brighton. Coach Renee Slegers emphasized the importance of the game, stating, "It's very important. We're going to secure the second place in the table. There's so much motivation for us... and we want to deliver our best possible product." Meanwhile, Manchester United, under the guidance of Marc Skinner, aimed to capitalize on their opponent's recent struggles. Skinner remarked, "It’s an important game that can determine who finishes second, so it’s a big game. Arsenal have lost the last two, but they aren’t going to want to lose at the Emirates to Manchester United."
With both teams already assured of a top-three finish, the match would determine who would secure the coveted second place and a more favorable entry into next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League. The side that finishes second will enter the final qualifying round in September, while the third-place team will begin in the second qualifying round in August.
As the match commenced, Arsenal quickly asserted their dominance. Just two minutes into the game, Chloe Kelly found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock and giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead. This early goal set a lively tone for the match, igniting the home crowd and putting pressure on Manchester United to respond.
Throughout the first half, Arsenal continued to push forward, creating opportunities and maintaining possession. Caitlin Foord was particularly influential, having been involved in six goals in her last four WSL starts for Arsenal, including four goals and two assists. Her recent form has solidified her reputation as a key player for the Gunners.
On the other hand, Manchester United struggled to find their rhythm. Despite having qualified for next season’s Champions League, they had only managed to secure two points from their last three matches, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Chelsea and draws against Manchester City and West Ham United. The pressure was palpable as they sought to avoid finishing the season on a low note.
In terms of team news, Arsenal was without Daphne van Domselaar, Lina Hurtig, and Katie Reid, while United faced late decisions regarding Jade Riviere’s availability. Despite these challenges, both teams were determined to put forth their best efforts.
As the match progressed into the second half, Manchester United began to find their footing. They created several chances, but Arsenal's defense stood firm. The Gunners had previously defeated United 3-1 in their last encounter at the Emirates in February 2024, and they were keen to replicate that success.
Skinner’s side, however, was not to be underestimated. With a Women’s FA Cup final against Chelsea looming on May 18, they were eager to build momentum heading into the crucial match. Skinner noted, "We deserve to really enjoy these two moments we’ve got - the Emirates game and the Wembley game. I want the players to go and get the win, but I want them to enjoy it and I want to see that in the body language."
As the clock ticked down, Arsenal maintained their lead, showcasing their tactical discipline and resilience. The match officials, led by referee Melissa Burgin, kept a close eye on the proceedings, ensuring fair play throughout.
Statistically, Arsenal has won their final WSL game of the season 11 times out of 14 campaigns, and they were determined to add another victory to that impressive record. Meanwhile, Manchester United had lost their final game of the season in two of the last three WSL campaigns, which added to the pressure they faced.
As the final whistle blew, Arsenal celebrated their hard-fought victory, solidifying their position in second place in the WSL. The win not only secured them a favorable entry into the Champions League but also provided a much-needed morale boost ahead of their upcoming final against Barcelona on May 24, 2025.
In the aftermath of the match, both teams reflected on their seasons. Arsenal was poised to head into the Champions League final with confidence, while Manchester United would need to regroup and focus on their FA Cup final against Chelsea. The rivalry between these two teams continues to grow, setting the stage for future encounters that promise to be just as exciting.
This match was broadcast live in the UK on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to witness the intense battle for second place in the Women’s Super League. With the season now concluded, fans and players alike will look forward to the next chapter in women’s football, filled with promise and anticipation.
