3 winners and 1 loser as Arsenal held to a 1-1 draw by London City Lionesses

As the old saying goes, there are three certainties in life: Death, taxes and Arsenal Women drawing home matches this season. In isolation, a point apiece against London City Lionesses is a decent result; previous stalemates against Crystal Palace, Birmingham and Aston Villa not so much.

Following yet another frustraring result, we asses the winners and losers.

Winner: Frida Maanum

As Renée Slegers continues her search to find a winning formula, has Frida Maanum made herself undroppable this week? After opening the scoring at Camp Nou against Barça Femení during Thursday's famous draw, the Norwegian international also fired home Sunday afternoon's goal.

Maanum also racked up four key passes and created one big chance, very much the Gunners' most dangerous attacker throughout. Her goal was set up by Alessia Russo, with the two possessing a telepathic understanding. So, even if Maanum's greatest strength is getting the best out of Russo, she has to be a starter.

Loser: Caitlin Foord

On the flip side, it feels harsh to single out Caitlin Foord, but she did not impress quite as much. The Australia forward squandered a massive chance in the first half, firing straight at Mary Earps. With Olivia Smith, as well as the currently sidelined duo Stina Blackstenius and Chloe Kelly, all vying for minutes in attacker, Foord may find herself back on the bench.

Winner: Élisa de Almeida

In contrast, Sunday saw Élisa de Almeida start a Women's Super League match for the first time. Before this clash with London City, the summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain had come off the bench in four WSL games, her full debut coming against Benfica in the Champions League in Borehamwood last month.

Alongside Leah Williamson, de Almeida did not really put a foot wrong. Thus, with Steph Catley and Lotte Wubben-Moy left in reserve, the French international staked a claim for more starts.

Winner: Manchester United

While neither Arsenal nor London City could find the winner, the really winners are perhaps Manchester United.

With Chelsea and Manchester City clear of the rest, there is only one Champions League spot still up for grabs. London City very much occupy that spot, hence why it was imperative that Arsenal were not beaten by Eder Maestre's team. The rematch in South London in late-January also looks likely to be key.

The Gunners remain six points adrift LCL, with Manchester United the nearest challengers. Since losing her first two matches in charge, Eva Olid's team are unbeaten in eight, most-recently beating Crystal Palace 2-0 in Leigh on Saturday. Tottenham also remain above their North London rivals, for now anyway.

Next up for Arsenal, they welcome Lyon to Meadow Park in the Champions League on Thursday, before taking on West Ham at the Emirates next Sunday. If they still have not won a home game by then, Slegers will be under serious pressure going into the international break.

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