Melvine Malard's 82nd minute goal denied Arsenal a rare win at Leigh Sports Village after Alessia Russo put the Gunners in front after 63 minutes.

Player ratings:

Daphne van Domselaar 5.5/10

A couple of routine saves in the first half, and was completely unchallenged until Rachel Williams’ header was glanced past her by Melvine Malard from close range. A bad goal to concede.

Katie McCabe 6.5/10

Pushed high up on the left side, where Arsenal had most of their joy. Lucky to escape a second yellow card after coming together with Geyse following a booking.

Steph Catley 7/10

Preferred at centre-back to Laia Codina and was calm on the ball.

Leah Williamson 7/10

Steered Arsenal’s backline after a shaky international break with England.

Emily Fox 7.5/10

Unchallenged at right-back by the unusually quiet Grace Clinton. Set up Russo’s opener.

Lia Walti 7.5/10

Some nice moves to knit midfield and attack together. Hit the post with a left-footed effort from 25 yards.

Kim Little 6.5/10

Booked in the opening ten minutes for pulling back Elisabeth Terland.

Mariona Caldentey 7/10

Pressed tirelessly before moving into the number ten role for the second half. Excellent ball in behind in the build-up to Russo’s goal.

Frida Maanum 7.5/10

Outstanding for Norway in the international break, netting four goals against Albania. Headed wide from Mariona’s cross and was a constant threat, drifting onto the left wing.

Caitlin Foord 6.5/10

Came close to putting Arsenal in front but her shot was saved well by Phannon Tullis-Joyce.

Alessia Russo 8.5/10

Drove a shot narrowly wide early on and was constantly involved upfront against her former club. Finally opened her account for the season with a low first-time finish in the 63rd minute, with Arsenal cheers drowning out the home fans’ boos.

Beth Mead (Sub, half-time) 6.5/10

Replaced Maanum and was lively out wide.

Stina Blackstenius (Sub, 78’)

Kyra Cooney-Cross (Sub, 87’)

Rosa Kafaji (Sub, 87’)

Lina Hurtig (Sub, 87’)

Subs not used: Manu Zinsberger, Laia Codina, Katie Reid, Kathrine Kuhl.