Arsenal Women's Player Ratings vs Aston Villa: Late Equaliser Denies Gunners Top Spot
Despite Frida Maanum's goal, Arsenal were unable to secure a win against Aston Villa, settling for a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Lucy Parker's late strike dashed Arsenal's hopes of climbing to the top of the Women's Super League table. Read on for a breakdown of the key moments and player performances...
Arsenal passed up the chance to go top of the Women’s Super League table as they fell to a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Frida Maanum scored her third league goal of 2025-26 as the Gunners look destined to climb to the summit, but substitute Lucy Parker scored late on to secure a deserved point for the visitors.Villa boss Natalia Arroyo predicted Arsenal would carry “revenge vibes” into the affair and that looked to be the case when the hosts took the lead after just 10 minutes through Maanum. As Villa looked to build from the back, Missy Bo Kearns was quickly closed down by Mariona Caldentey with the ball finding its way through to Maanum, who showed great composure to stroke home from close range.Domselaar into a good save from a free kick. Arroyo’s side continued to huff and puff but captain Rachel Daly - making her 100th WSL appearance - was completely starved of service up top. And Arsenal then started to grow back into the game, with driven crosses from first Olivia Smith and then Katie McCabe forcing the Villa defence into action. And Renee Slegers’ side really should have gone 2-0 up when Beth Mead set up Maanum at the back post, but the midfielder failed to stab the ball home with the goal at her mercy.In a second half which started with Arsenal duo Smith and Steph Catley suffering knocks they were able to shake off, Villa went close when Chasity Grant latched onto substitute Kirsty Hanson’s cross but her effort trickled just past the post. The visitors continued to press forward and Hanson soon went close with a long-range strike from distance. With the game on a knife edge, the newly-crowned Women’s Club of the Year responded as Mead set up Emily Fox but the defender’s shot was well blocked by Villa’s Wilms. And then McCabe forced goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo into a good save with a powerful drive. But there was one last chance for Villa and they took it when substitute Lucy Parker found the back of the net from a deep corner to break Arsenal hearts late on.GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium...
Frida Maanum Opens the Scoring Early On
Arsenal got off to a positive start as Frida Maanum netted the opening goal just 10 minutes into the game. Taking advantage of a defensive error, Maanum displayed composure to give the Gunners the lead.
Missed Opportunities Cost Arsenal
Despite dominating spells of the game, Arsenal failed to capitalize on their chances. Beth Mead missed a golden opportunity to double the lead, which ultimately proved costly as Villa fought back late in the game.
Late Drama as Lucy Parker Rescues Villa
As the match entered its closing stages, substitute Lucy Parker stunned Arsenal with a late equaliser from a set-piece. Villa capitalized on a moment of defensive vulnerability to snatch a point away from the Gunners.
Player Performances: Mixed Displays for Arsenal
While Maanum stood out with her goal-scoring contribution, some Arsenal players struggled to make an impact. Rachel Daly, in her 100th WSL appearance, was left isolated up front, highlighting the Gunners' lack of attacking cohesion.
Villa's Persistence Pays Off
Credit must be given to Villa for their resilience and determination throughout the game. Despite falling behind early on, they continued to press forward and eventually reaped the rewards with Parker's late strike.
