Player Ratings: Late Cloe Lacasse rocket earns Arsenal Women 2-2 draw away to Manchester United

Substitute Lacasse found the top corner in stoppage time after defensive mistakes from Arsenal saw the Gunners fall behind

Arsenal Women avoided back to back defeats at the start of their Women’s Super League campaign thanks to a stunning late goal from substitute Cloe Lacasse. The Gunners took the lead in the 14th minute through Stina Blackstenius, before Leah Galton equalised after a calamitous mistake from Sabrina D’Angelo (28’).

French forward Melvine Malard put United in front with nine minutes remaining before Lacasse found the top corner in the third minute of added time from range to seal a dramatic draw.

Player ratings:

Sabrina D’Angelo 5.5/10

Jonas Eidevall changed his goalkeepers, and told Sky Sports before kick-off that he would not be afraid to change between them even during a game, mirroring Mikel Arteta. Could D’Angelo stake a claim for herself? Unfortunately not- an absolute howler to gift Galton Manchester United’s equaliser, completely missing the ball when she rushed off her line and Galton tapped into an empty net. Did recover well for the remainder of the game, but the damage had been done.

Jen Beattie 6.5/10

An everpresent in Arsenal’s defence. Had to be replaced by Wubben-Moy late on.

Steph Catley 7.5/10

Improved on Sunday’s display. A very well placed and weighted pass to set up Blackstenius’ run in behind for Arsenal’s opener.

Kim Little (C) 7/10

Started on the left wing early on and worked tirelessly in and out of possession in a real captain’s display.

Lia Walti 7.5/10

Covered plenty of ground to support Arsenal’s defence. Final pass let her down, giving the ball away a couple of times in good areas.

Noelle Maritz 6.5/10

Gave the ball away in the lead up to United’s second goal when her clearance was placed straight to Rachel Williams.

Victoria Pelova 6/10

Replaced Frida Maanum in attacking midfield and was keen to prove a point. Couldn’t quite deliver the set-pieces that Arsenal were looking for.

Alessia Russo 7/10

Booed by the home fans after her free transfer to Arsenal in the summer. Started on the right wing, with Blackstenius through the middle. Starved of chances until first half stoppage time when she blazed a left footed effort over the bar, and was denied twice by former teammate Earps in the second half. Hit the post with 12 minutes remaining.

Stina Blackstenius 7/10

A brilliant run and finish to put Arsenal ahead, shrugging off Hannah Blundell and slotting the ball past Earps with real composure.

Laia Codina 5.5/10

The Spanish World Cup winner made her Arsenal debut. A difficult start to WSL football for the left-sided centre-back who struggled against Geyse.

Amanda Ilestedt 5.5/10

First WSL start for Arsenal’s first summer signing, who started on the right of Arsenal’s back three. Should have done better to prevent Malard’s winner- nudged off the ball far too easily.

Frida Maanum (Sub, 59’) 6/10

Heavily involved but couldn’t provide the magic moment that Arsenal were looking for. Had a goal correctly disallowed for offside with two minutes to go.

Katie McCabe (Sub, 59’) 5.5/10

Shown a yellow card two minutes after being introduced for a sloppy foul, meaning she had to tread with caution.

Caitlin Foord (Sub, 59’) 5.5/10

Shown a yellow card three minutes after coming on! Quickly grew into the game.

Lotte Wubben-Moy (Sub, 82’)

Cloe Lacasse (Sub, 86’) 8/10

Scored an absolute stunner to equalise for Arsenal in stoppage time at the end of the second half. An incredible goal from range to open her account for the Gunners, and her little feint past George to set it up deserves a mention too.

Subs not used: Manu Zinsberger, Lina Hurtig, Kathrine Kuhl, Kyra Cooney-Cross.