Arsenal handed huge Leah Williamson injury scare as…

Arsenal handed huge Leah Williamson injury scare as Man United edge WSL showdown

Arsenal suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss at the hands of title rivals Manchester United on Wednesday evening and their title hopes hang in the balance as the hosts extended their lead at the top of the table.

With just 15 minutes gone, the Gunners were handed another huge injury blow as Leah Williamson was forced off. The early change impacted proceedings and neither team was able to get a real foothold on the game until the brink of halftime.

Alessia Russo, at her clinical best, fired the hosts in front after some good build-up play from Nikita Parris down the right. Arsenal were in need of a big second half and Jonas Eidevall rung in the changes with Jen Beattie and Steph Catley called upon at the break.

Despite a better second half, Arsenal still barely tested United goalkeeper Mary Earps and they were unable to find the equaliser they so desperately needed.

Here's a look at they key talking points from Leigh Sports Village...

Arsenal's injury concerns deepen

Arsenal's injury list couldn't get any more extensive after club captain Kim Little was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury earlier this week. Yet, it was a nightmare start for the Gunners at Leigh Sports Village as Williamson hit the turn and immediately signalled to the bench.

She limped off the field, appearing to put no weight on her knee. The nation will hold its breath until the extent of the problem becomes known, with the World Cup just a matter of months away. A long-term injury will not only dent Arsenal's hopes of clinching more silverware this season in the WSL and Champions League but the Lionesses' hopes in the summer tournament will also be damaged.

Title hopes take a hit

Arsenal's hopes of clinching the WSL title have taken a huge blow following tonight's result. With four teams in the hunt, every point is crucial as we enter the final weeks of the campaign.

Defeat against leaders United means they now sit six points adrift, having played a game less. However, current holders Chelsea also have two games in hand so this was certainly a must-win for the Gunners.

Failure to clinch even a point has certainly set them back. Of course, it's not over until it's over - but the task has just become significantly more difficult.

A performance lacking fluidity

With so many players, and so many important players, currently sidelined through injury - it's no surprise Arsenal looked like a side struggling for form at times. They looked comfortable defensively for large spells, with the opener coming out of nowhere.

However, first half, their attacking play really lacked any fluidity with players out of position and combinations tested for the first time. The additions of Steph Catley and Jen Beattie at the break and the switch to three at the back helped matters, but it always felt like a moment of magic would be needed if the Gunners were to force their way back into the game, and it just wasn't clicking.

Wolfsburg test just got even greater

Arsenal will desperately need to put this result behind them and pick themselves back up ahead of the weekend's crunch Champions League semi-final first leg against Wolfsburg. The German side are currently edging rivals Bayern Munich in the Frauen-Bundesliga and are a team steeped in history in Europe.

With the first leg away on Sunday, the lack of key names will no doubt leave Eidevall scratching his head. The second-half display against United should offer some hope, but the likes of Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum will need to put in an even greater performance if they're to have any hope of taking a lead back to the Emirates.

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