Arsenal 4-3 Manchester United Stats: Gunners Secure Second Place in Thrilling Season Finale
Arsenal clinch 2nd place with thrilling 4-3 win over Man United at Emirates. Explore the key facts and stats in our comprehensive post-match breakdown.
Match Overview
Final Score: Arsenal 4-3 Manchester United
Date: May 10, 2025
Competition: WSL Round 22 (Season Finale)
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Attendance: 46,603
Arsenal ended their WSL campaign by securing the coveted second-place finish in a pulsating season finale against Manchester United. With only one point separating the sides before kick-off and the prize of direct Champions League qualification at stake, the Gunners delivered a performance of attacking quality that overcame their recent defensive frailties.
Chloe Kelly opened the scoring just two minutes in, but Ella Toone equalised for United in the 13th minute. The Gunners pulled ahead after the break with three goals from Mariona Caldentey (50' pen), Frida Maanum (56'), and Kim Little (61'), before United fought back through Elisabeth Terland (70') and Maya Le Tissier (76' pen) to set up a tense finale. The victory ends Arsenal's concerning run of back-to-back league defeats and provides momentum ahead of their Champions League final against Barcelona on May 24.
Phases of Play Analysis
First Half (1-1)
Arsenal started brightly, taking an early lead through Chloe Kelly in the 2nd minute. Despite commanding 57% possession, the Gunners were pegged back by Ella Toone's equaliser in the 13th minute, set up by Maya Le Tissier. Arsenal created more chances with 7 shots to United's 4, but couldn't restore their advantage before half-time. The home side dominated technically with an 88% pass completion rate, but Manchester United's disciplined defensive structure made it difficult to break through.
First Half Stats Breakdown:
Arsenal: 4 shots on target from 7 attempts (57% accuracy)
Manchester United: 2 shots on target from 4 attempts (50% accuracy)
Arsenal passes: 208 (88% accuracy)
Manchester United passes: 136 (75% accuracy)
Arsenal created more danger with 3 corners to United's 1
Second Half (3-2)
The match exploded into life after the break with Arsenal scoring three times in eleven minutes. Mariona Caldentey converted a penalty in the 50th minute after Caitlin Foord was fouled in the box by Grace Clinton. Frida Maanum extended the lead with a well-taken finish in the 56th minute, assisted by Katie McCabe, before Kim Little made it 4-1 in the 61st minute from Chloe Kelly's assist.
Manchester United showed remarkable resilience, pulling one back through substitute Elisabeth Terland in the 70th minute, before Maya Le Tissier reduced the deficit further with a penalty in the 76th minute following Katie McCabe's foul. The final stages were tense as United pushed for an equaliser, but Arsenal held firm to secure all three points.
Second Half Stats Breakdown:
Arsenal: 3 shots on target from 9 attempts (33% accuracy)
Manchester United: 2 shots on target from 5 attempts (40% accuracy)
Arsenal passes: 134 (77% accuracy)
Manchester United passes: 102 (65% accuracy)
Arsenal registered 19 touches in the opposition box compared to United's 10
Tactical Analysis
Arsenal's Approach
Arsenal deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation under Renée Slegers, showcasing their league-leading attack (58 goals this season) and possession-based philosophy. Their tactical approach included:
Quick start: Catching United cold with an early goal, setting the tempo of the match
Wing play: Utilizing Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord to stretch United's defense, exploiting their significant crossing advantage (489 crosses this season, 2nd highest in WSL)
High technical quality: Maintaining 83% pass accuracy with 342 successful passes, close to their season average of 84%
Central control: Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey dictating play from midfield, generating the shot-creating actions that have defined Arsenal's season
Progressive carries: Using direct ball-carrying to advance play, matching their season trend of 441 progressive carries (significantly higher than United's 284)
Manchester United's Approach
Manchester United also lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Marc Skinner, focusing on the defensive solidity that had made them the league's stingiest defense (only 12 goals conceded in 21 matches before this game). Their tactical plan consisted of:
Compact defensive structure: Attempting to maintain the organization that had produced 13 clean sheets this season
Aerial dominance: Winning 65% of aerial duels in the second half, demonstrating their physical approach
Set-piece effectiveness: Earning and converting a crucial penalty, showing their tactical discipline
Tactical substitutions: Half-time introduction of Elisabeth Terland (9 goals, 5 assists this season) proving effective
Resilience: Showing mental strength to fight back from 4-1 down, reflecting their unbeaten run in four games before this match
Individual Performances
Key Performers - Arsenal
Chloe Kelly (8.9 rating) - Player of the Match
1 goal, 1 assist
2 shots, all on target (100%)
17/19 passes completed (89%)
2/2 successful dribbles (100%)
11 duels won
3/6 tackles won (50%)
Frida Maanum (8.2 rating)
1 goal
2/3 shots on target (67%)
21/22 passes completed (95%)
2/2 successful dribbles (100%)
4 duels won (100%)
1 interception
Mariona Caldentey (7.9 rating)
1 goal (penalty)
58/67 passes completed (87%) - match high
13 passes into final third
2 chances created
5 defensive actions
4 duels won
Kim Little (7.9 rating)
1 goal
1/1 shots on target (100%)
38/45 passes completed (84%)
5 passes into final third
2 chances created
5 recoveries
Key Performers - Manchester United
Maya Le Tissier (8.2 rating)
1 goal (penalty), 1 assist
33/53 passes completed (62%)
14 passes into final third
2 chances created
9 duels won
4 clearances
Ella Toone (7.9 rating)
1 goal
1/1 shots on target (100%)
29/41 passes completed (71%)
2/2 successful dribbles (100%)
5 duels won
3 touches in opposition box
Celin Bizet Ildhusøy (7.7 rating)
3/4 successful dribbles (75%)
24/33 passes completed (73%)
5 passes into final third
3/6 accurate crosses (50%)
9 duels won
Most fouled player (4 times)
Momentum Analysis
Minutes 1-3: Arsenal surge (+100%) leading to Kelly's early goal
Minutes 12-14: United momentum swing (-30%) coinciding with Toone's equaliser
Minutes 30-35: Strong Arsenal period (+80%) creating multiple first-half chances
Minutes 56-62: Arsenal's decisive period (+100%) during their three-goal burst
Minutes 75-77: United resurgence (-57%) following Le Tissier's penalty
Minutes 83-87: Final Arsenal defensive resilience (+100%) to secure victory
Substitution Impact
Arsenal's substitutions:
Frida Maanum → Lia Wälti (72'): Rating difference -1.95, but helped shore up midfield
Chloe Kelly → Beth Mead (72'): Rating difference -2.68, fresh legs on the wing
Mariona Caldentey → Stina Blackstenius (89'): Minimal impact with limited time
Katie McCabe → Lotte Wubben-Moy (89'): Defensive reinforcement to secure victory
Emily Fox → Laia Codina (90'): Minimal impact with limited time
Manchester United's substitutions:
Anna Sandberg → Elisabeth Terland (46'): Rating difference +0.90, scoring impact
Ella Toone → Lisa Naalsund (71'): Rating difference -1.60, struggling to maintain attacking threat
Hinata Miyazawa → Simi Awujo (89'): Minimal impact with limited time
Set Piece Analysis
Set pieces played a significant role in determining the match outcome:
Corners: Arsenal 5, Manchester United 1
Arsenal created several opportunities from corners, with Kelly and McCabe delivering
Two penalties awarded: one converted by Caldentey for Arsenal, one by Le Tissier for United
Manchester United won 65% of aerial duels in the second half, showing aerial dominance
Key Match Insights
Season-Defining Clash: Arsenal secure 2nd place and direct Champions League qualification in dramatic fashion
Attacking vs. Defensive Strengths: Arsenal's league-best attack (58 goals before this match) overcame United's previously league-best defense (only 12 goals conceded in 21 matches)
Technical Superiority: Arsenal's superior pass accuracy (83% vs 70%) and possession (55% vs 45%) highlighted their technical advantage
Key Substitution Impact: Terland's half-time introduction (10th goal of season) gave United fresh attacking impetus
Resilience: United's mental strength to fight back from 4-1 down nearly earned them a point, showing why they've had such a strong defensive record
Emirates Atmosphere: 46,603 attendance created electric atmosphere for season finale, though just short of the WSL record (60,160) set by these teams in February 2024
Champions League Momentum: Victory gives Arsenal confidence ahead of Champions League final vs. Barcelona on May 24
Conclusion
Arsenal's 4-3 victory over Manchester United was a showcase of attacking football, technical quality, and tactical awareness that secured the crucial second-place finish and direct Champions League qualification. Despite Manchester United's impressive fightback and previously league-best defense, Arsenal's superior possession and clinical finishing ultimately secured a vital three points in this season-defining fixture.
The match demonstrated several key elements that determined the outcome:
Arsenal's explosive 11-minute spell with three goals after the break, highlighting their league-leading attacking capabilities
United's resilience and refusal to capitulate when 4-1 down, consistent with their recent strong form
The impact of star performers like Kelly, Maanum, and Le Tissier in a game filled with individual quality
The decisive nature of set-pieces and penalties in tight contests, with both proving crucial
The technical quality of Arsenal's midfield control through Little and Caldentey against United's typically solid defensive structure
This result not only secures Arsenal's second-place finish but also provides momentum heading into their Champions League final against Barcelona on May 24. Manchester United, despite the disappointment of missing out on second place, can take positives from a season that saw them qualify for the Champions League and still have the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 18 to look forward to.