Manchester United continued their upward trajectory under new manager Eva Olid by defeating Liverpool 1-0, thanks to an early goal from Julia Zigiotti. The result marks the club’s first consecutive victories since February and extends Olid’s positive momentum after a difficult start to her tenure.
Olid, who suffered defeats in her first two matches including a heavy 5-0 loss to Chelsea, has since earned seven points from three games. The win at Leigh further solidified this turnaround, as United dispatched an in-form Liverpool side that is currently enjoying its best start to a Women’s Super League season in nearly a decade.
The decisive moment arrived inside the first six minutes when Zigiotti Olme capitalized on a poor clearance by Khiara Keating. She intercepted the ball just outside the area and fired a perfectly executed chip past the goalkeeper, providing the only goal of the contest.
Liverpool pushed hard for an equalizer, creating several chances to force a response from Manchester United. Five minutes before halftime, Jess Park surged forward from her own half and struck a powerful effort that crashed against the crossbar. Liverpool also hit the woodwork through Beata Olsson, whose shot was diverted onto the near post by keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Tullis-Joyce was kept busy throughout the match, producing a crucial double save to deny Cornelia Kapocs and Olsson in quick succession, preserving United’s clean sheet. The result leaves Manchester United level on points with their visitors, with Olid’s side now showing signs of consistent form under new leadership.
Zigiotti struck gold early. That’s exactly the kind of opener we needed to settle the nerves. Great win.
Seventeen minutes left and they hit the woodwork twice? We got lucky there. Can they defend like this every game?
Wait, is this the same United side that lost 5-0 to Chelsea? The turnaround is impressive, isn’t it?
I’m surprised we kept a clean sheet against that Liverpool attack. Tullis-Joyce’s double save was crucial.
Finally some momentum! That early chip was absolutely clinical. Glad to see the team clicking under Olid.