Leah Williamson made her first Women's Super League start of the season as Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.

Williamson had been limited to nine minutes of league action so far this term, because of a knee injury sustained in the Women's Euro 2025 final in July --  and the England captain was unable to lift a drab spectacle.

Even with United right-back Jayde Riviere sent off in the 66th minute for a second bookable offence, Arsenal could not break through and were forced to settle for a fifth draw from their 12 WSL matches.

Apart from Williamson's return, Kim Little and striker Alessia Russo were restored to Arsenal's starting XI among five changes to the side that dispatched Crystal Palace 2-0 in the League Cup quarter-finals.

Melvine Malard and fullback Riviere were the only new faces in United's line-up.

Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

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An even opening gave way to Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe springing into action to deflect a Fridolina Rolfö header on to the woodwork.

It was a superb save and an early scare for the home side and while they settled quickly, they were unable to do much with their possession.

Slowly, however, they took control with pressure building on the visiting defence and it took impressive intervention from goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce to keep out an Olivia Smith effort from close range.

Arsenal's control turned to dominance as the first half continued with Russo a threat, Steph Catley unable to make the most of a promising freekick and Russo seeing a shot deflect out of danger.

The odds continued to stack up against United when Riviere was sent off, her second yellow card coming after a late tackle on Caitlin Foord.

Russo was kept out by desperate defending and Victoria Pelova went close deep into injury-time, but the visitors held out despite facing relentless pressure.