Leah Williamson was named in the starting line-up for the first time in the Women’s Super League this season after recovering from a knee injury as the Gunners took on Man United [Neil Holmes/SPP]

LEAH Williamson says there are lessons to be learned after Arsenal started 2026 with “a disappointing” goalless draw against 10-player Manchester United on Saturday.

Williamson was named in the Gunners’ starting line-up for the first time in the Women’s Super League this season after recovering from a knee injury.

More than 37,000 fans cheered the north Londoners on as they dominated United at the Emirates Stadium.

But Arsenal were unable to find that all-important breakthrough, even after the visitors saw full-back Jayde Riviere sent off following a second yellow card just after the hour mark.

The result leaves Renee Slegers’ side third in the WSL table, 10 points behind leaders Manchester City.

With Aston Villa up next in the FA Cup this Sunday at Meadow Park, and then another home clash with United in the League Cup on Wednesday night, Williamson is confident Arsenal’s “strong mentality” will come shining through.

She said: “We played some good football, I thought, but there was no end product in terms of a goal, so there’s learning, we’re fuelled by it.

“It’s not what we wanted, but we don’t stop, we keep moving. That’s the strong mentality of this team. I think that’s what can set us apart at times, so we need that to kick in now.”