In front of a lively crowd of 27,336 at the Emirates, Arsenal ground out a narrow 1–0 win over Brighton in a match defined by early dominance, midfield battles, and a standout performance from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. Despite a strong start and an own goal gifted by Brighton’s Jess Olislagers, the Gunners were made to work for all three points as Brighton pushed back with resilience and energy, particularly in a tense second half.
Match Highlights
- Marisa Olislagers scored an own goal.
- WSL Player of the match: Daphne van Domselaar
- Attendance: 27336
Arsenal open the scoring
Arsenal dominated possession in the opening 15 minutes, dictating the tempo and forcing Brighton deep into their own half. The visitors were slow to apply pressure in defensive areas, a stark contrast to the high press that had troubled the Gunners in recent outings.
Early chances fell to Foord and Smith, with the latter firing a powerful effort into the side netting. Arsenal’s pressure eventually paid off in the 15th minute when Smith and Caldentey combined brilliantly through the midfield. The Canadian international attempted to pick out Russo at the far post, but her delivery deflected off Olislagers and into the net for an own goal, giving Arsenal the lead.
Brighton look for the equalizer
Brighton responded well after conceding, creating a couple of promising opportunities through Olislagers and Cankovic. McCabe was alert to deny Seike at the far post with a crucial interception, keeping Arsenal ahead.
As the half progressed, Brighton grew in confidence and enjoyed a spell of sustained possession. Arsenal began to lose control in midfield, struggling to play through the Seagulls’ compact shape and often guilty of overcomplicating their build-up play.
Just before the break, Seike tested Van Domselaar with a long-range strike, but the Arsenal goalkeeper reacted well to make the save. At the interval, both sides had registered five attempts on goal. Arsenal managed just one shot on target, while Brighton produced three, as the home team finished the half on the front foot.
Maanum’s Effort Blocked on the Line
The second half began with chances for both sides, good moments going each way but nothing decisive until a huge opportunity for Arsenal in the 57th minute from a corner kick. The ball fell to Smith first, but her effort was blocked, and Mpome managed to deny Maanum’s follow-up on the goal line.
Van Domselaar kept her team in front when Seike sent in an early cross that found Carmacho, whose header was heading for the top corner before the Dutch goalkeeper made a superb diving save to keep it out.
Just after the hour mark, coach Slegers made a triple substitution, bringing on Mead, Blackstenius, and Cooney-Cross in place of Caldentey, Maanum, and Smith. Play was halted for a lengthy break when Mpome was struck in the head by the ball inside the box and stayed down. She was stretchered off and immediately replaced by Auee.
Fresh legs on the pitch
After the restart, both teams took some time to regain rhythm. Arsenal dominated possession, creating two good chances for Blackstenius, but she couldn’t find the finishing touch to double the lead. The substitutes injected energy into Arsenal’s play, and later Chloe Kelly was introduced for Caitlin Foord to add fresh legs.
Thirteen minutes of added time were signaled. During stoppage time, Blackstenius came agonizingly close when Chloe Kelly found Little, who slipped a perfect ball through the defense. Blackstenius sent her effort just wide of the far post.
Seike was replaced by Heron in the final minutes, but it made no difference as the Gunners held firm to secure a 1–0 victory.
Where can I watch the Women’s Super League?
You can watch the Women’s Super League on Sky Sports and BBC. If you’re watching from outside the UK, consider using a VPN service. We recommend NordVPN, it isn’t free, but it’s safe and cheaper than juggling multiple subscriptions that may still only cover part of the schedule.
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