WHAT HAPPENED
We suffered our first defeat of the Women’s Super League season on Sunday as we were beaten 1-0 by Manchester United.
We approached this game full of confidence with five wins from our opening five fixtures - but we failed to take control early on and never truly recovered.
Right from the start, United pressed us high up the pitch and forced us to retreat, paying close attention to Leah Williamson and Viktoria Schnaderbeck.
We continued to look dangerous on the counter with Vivianne Miedema often going alone, but we struggled to break the hosts’ press and consequently lost control in midfield.
Christen Press then went on to create a golden chance for United, dribbling past three defenders, before firing low and forcing Manuela Zinsberger into an outstanding diving save.
Following the restart, Casey Stoney's side continued to dominate play, with Jackie Groenen and Tobin Heath failing to hit the target from promising positions - and this forced Joe Montemurro to introduce Kim Little and Jill Roord off the bench.
Shortly after, Beth Mead broke free down the wing and had a chance to shoot on her favoured right foot, but instead delayed her decision and opted for a cross that failed to trouble Mary Earps.
We continued to give away possession in dangerous areas, though, and eventually we were punished.
Sweeping forward on the counter, Jess Sigsworth skipped past Schnaderbeck and cut back inside, before teeing up Elle Toone, who found the bottom corner.
We made a late push for an equaliser, testing United’s resolve with a number of searching deliveries into the penalty area, but we failed to break them down.
WHAT IT MEANS
WHAT’S NEXT
Up next, we will face Chelsea in the Women’s Super League on Sunday, November 15.
The game will take place at Meadow Park with kick-off at 2.30pm (UK time).
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