Manchester United produced what many are calling a "statement" performance against reigning title holders Chelsea, though the team were left hoping for rather than the solitary point earned from the encounter.
Manchester United successfully end Chelsea's 100% beginning to the current season as Anna Sandberg's superb volley equalized the Chelsea player's exquisite opener.
The draw represented a significant outcome for the Red Devils, who had previously lost in 10 and tied just a single of their previous 11 league meetings with the Blues.
Yet, boss Marc Skinner voiced "frustration" that his team came away with only a draw rather than maximum points as they continued their undefeated streak to 5 games.
Throughout the game, United's midfielder missed chances on either side of the halftime, while Jess Park could have converted with a chipped effort before coming close with a dipping volley.
Former England player Fara Williams stated: "In my opinion Manchester United might be kicking themselves. They created numerous quality chances and perhaps with improved finishing in the final third, they would have come out on top."
However, Manchester United might have just as readily walked away with nothing from the match.
Shot-stopper Phallon Tullis-Joyce produced a excellent late save to prevent Chelsea's Keira Walsh, while both defenders Maya Le Tissier and Sandberg made crucial blocks during the final minutes to keep the Blues from scoring.
Former England shot-stopper Rachel Brown-Finnis added: "United are the initial team to prevent Chelsea from winning against Chelsea this season. If they need to issue a message to their own club and reaffirm what Manchester United's ambition is, they've earned every bit of that."
Result Demonstrates Improvement of Developing Manchester United
This major question at the beginning of this season - the same one that's been asked over the last six WSL campaigns - is whether anyone can stop Chelsea's dominance.
The Blues won last season's trophy by going twenty-two games without defeat in Sonia Bompastor's first season as manager - part of a three trophies as they lifted the Women's FA Cup and League Cup too.
Actually, it's been over 500 days since Chelsea last lost a league game - a 4-3 loss at Liverpool on May 1st, 2024.
Manchester United narrowly missed to halting that run on Friday night in a leading teams encounter and Skinner was impressed of "an extremely brave performance" from his squad.
The manager stated: "We are building. You can observe it, you can feel it. We are frustrated to not win the game. The opportunities we created, few teams could create that against Chelsea. So for us to achieve that and in the way we accomplished it was praise to them [the players]."
Since their promotion from the Women's Championship in 2019, United have quickly developed as WSL title challengers, finishing just 2 points behind Chelsea in the 2022-23 season.
The following season they won the FA Cup - their first major women's trophy.
While a draw against the present league frontrunners may be considered a missed opportunity for United, former England striker the analyst believed it showed how far the team has come.
She remarked: "You have to look at that consistency. They've played 11 times against Chelsea to date and only drawn one time, currently the second, so I think it's really good for their reliability and what they're achieving as a club and a team. It proves it's working and they're improving."
Asked if Skinner earned more credit for United's ascent to challenge with more traditional clubs, White continued: "The work he's accomplished with these players, the philosophy, the DNA, how resolute they are. He hasn't got the quantity of money or managed to spend the sum of money the such teams of Chelsea, Arsenal or [Manchester] City have done."
What Does This Impact the Title Race?
Chelsea's flawless start may have concluded, but they still remain top on thirteen points - two points clear of United.
But Skinner stated his team's performance at the Progress With Unity Stadium - where Chelsea clinched last season's title - proved the Blues will not have it so straightforward this season.
The manager added: "It shows to Chelsea they're not just going to run away with the league. We must ensure everyone is putting a challenge. I think the league is improving and you witnessed the quality, that we are progressing as well."
Chelsea boss Bompastor was "not happy" with Chelsea's display, but stated a tie was "not a bad result at Manchester United".
Asked if United were title contenders, she added: "There are many teams being real competition for us, each game presents a different challenge. You must be prepared for each game."
City, who lost to Chelsea in the season opener, might close the difference on the frontrunners to a single point if they beat Arsenal at home on the weekend.
The previous season's second-place Arsenal, meanwhile, have work to make up after dropping points against each of United and Aston Villa, and boss Renee Slegers will be targeting the Gunners' home game against Chelsea on 8 November as a opportunity to get themselves back in the race.
