Le Tissier earns Man Utd draw against Leicester

6 months ago 72
Maya Le Tissier takes on Leicester City playersMaya Le Tissier got her first goal of the season

Manchester United and Leicester City continued their unbeaten starts to the Women's Super League season with an entertaining draw at Leigh Sports Village.

The hosts, who secured an impressive 1-1 draw with Paris St-Germain on their Champions League debut on Tuesday, suffered an early setback when they lost defender Gabby George to injury in the ninth minute.

But they recovered to carve out the better opportunities, coming closest to opening the scoring in first-half stoppage time when Hinata Miyazawa struck the underside of the bar.

Lucia Garcia also forced a good save from Leicester keeper Janina Leitzig before the break.

Leicester, who had won all three of their games prior to this fixture, were second best for large periods but snatched the lead early in the second half when Aileen Whelan turned in at the back post following a free-kick.

Manchester United responded well to that blow and deservedly equalised through Maya Le Tissier's header.

United goalkeeper Mary Earps tipped over a strong Lena Petermann effort, while Nikita Parris put a header straight at Leitzig in the final seconds as both sides pushed for the winner.

The result means Leicester are second in the WSL, with Manchester United fifth.

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner told MUTV: "We were not good enough in that final third today. In the build-up we could have been quicker. Leicester had a 0.26 expected goals but defend like that, we will concede goals.

"The reality is, in that game, there were chances there we had to bury. If you are not creating the chances that is different but we have a lot to rejig with a quick turnaround."

United travel to PSG on Wednesday for the second leg of their Champions League second qualifying-round tie.

George injury doesn't look good - SkinnerFollow Sunday's WSL action here.

Manchester United fight back again

The hosts will be disappointed not to take the victory given the many chances they had, but this was another battling display by the Red Devils.

They have conceded the first goal in every game they have played so far this season but have recovered each time to remain unbeaten in all competitions.

Manchester United went into this game looking to build on their impressive second-half display against PSG in midweek, and they certainly had the opportunities to win this game quite comfortably.

As well as Parris' late chance, Rachel Williams headed over moments before the final whistle.

They missed the creativity of Geyse, who changed the game against PSG when she came on, as she was rested.

But a draw against a side who had won every game they had played so far this season is a decent result and once again highlights the fighting spirit of Skinner's side.

"We have the mentality, but there are times we are trying to to pass rather than shooting," Skinner added.

"If you are in a shooting position, shoot. That is where we have to grow. We are getting there. We have shown we can come from behind again, but we have to stop coming from behind."

Line-ups

Man Utd Women

Formation 4-2-3-1

27Earps6Blundell4Le Tissier21Turner3GeorgeSubstituted forRiviereat 9'minutesSubstituted forEvansat 75'minutes12LaddSubstituted forWilliamsat 57'minutes10ZelemBooked at 58mins17GarcíaSubstituted forGaltonat 57'minutes20Miyazawa9MalardSubstituted forTooneat 56'minutes22Parris

Substitutes

7Toone8Guerrero11Galton14Riviere15Evans16Naalsund25Rabjohn28Williams91Tullis-Joyce

Leicester City Women

Formation 4-4-2

1Leitzig4BottBooked at 52mins5Howard14GreenSubstituted forThibaudat 83'minutes2NevinBooked at 42mins20GoodwinSubstituted forCainat 45'minutesBooked at 55mins3TierneyBooked at 72mins11CaymanSubstituted forRantalaat 45'minutes27O'BrienSubstituted forRoseat 45'minutes10Whelan9PetermannBooked at 51minsSubstituted forDraperat 90+4'minutes

Substitutes

6Palmer7Rose8Rantala13Robinson17Thibaud21Cain32Baker38Mears49Draper

Referee:Adewunmi Soneye

Attendance:4,903

Live Text

Match ends, Manchester United Women 1, Leicester City Women 1.

Second Half ends, Manchester United Women 1, Leicester City Women 1.

Attempt missed. Rachel Williams (Manchester United Women) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Katie Zelem with a cross.

Attempt saved. Nikita Parris (Manchester United Women) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Katie Zelem.

Leah Galton (Manchester United Women) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

Foul by Sophie Howard (Leicester City Women).

Attempt missed. Leah Galton (Manchester United Women) header from very close range misses to the right. Assisted by Katie Zelem with a cross following a corner.

Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Sophie Howard.

Substitution, Leicester City Women. Denny Draper replaces Lena Petermann.

Attempt saved. Hannah Blundell (Manchester United Women) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

Attempt blocked. Leah Galton (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Katie Zelem.

Offside, Leicester City Women. Julie Thibaud tries a through ball, but Lena Petermann is caught offside.

Gemma Evans (Manchester United Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Foul by Hannah Cain (Leicester City Women).

Substitution, Leicester City Women. Julie Thibaud replaces Josie Green because of an injury.

Delay over. They are ready to continue.

Delay in match because of an injury Nikita Parris (Manchester United Women).

Delay in match because of an injury Josie Green (Leicester City Women).

Delay over. They are ready to continue.

Substitution, Manchester United Women. Gemma Evans replaces Jayde Riviere.

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