Arsenal returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 Women’s Super League victory over Brighton.
The Gunners came into the contest without a win in their last three WSL matches and after sustaining a midweek Champions League defeat to Lyon, they took the lead when Olivia Smith’s cross was deflected in by Marisa Olislagers.
Both sides enjoyed opportunities at the start of the second half, but a concerning moment saw Brighton defender Maelys Mpomé carried off the pitch on a stretcher after being hit on the head by a cross.
Stina Blackstenius came close to extending Arsenal’s lead with three chances towards the end of the game, but Renee Slegers’ side saw out their third league win of the season, while the Seagulls slipped to back-to-back WSL defeats.
Arsenal started well with Smith blasting a shot over the crossbar and Katie McCabe’s looping cross nearly dipping under the bar before Smith fired into the side-netting.
The Canada international continued to cause problems and her attempted cross bounced off Brighton defender Olislagers and the ball rolled past Chiamaka Nnadozie for the Gunners to snatch the lead after 16 minutes.
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The visitors then began to grow into the game, with Fran Kirby testing the Arsenal defence with an effort and Carla Camacho sending a strike wide.
Brighton continued to threaten and Kiko Seike had an opportunity towards the end of the first half, but goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar made a comfortable save.
Arsenal came close in quick succession after the break when a corner routine saw Smith’s shot blocked and Frida Maanum was denied at the back post by Mpome’s excellent goal-line clearance, before Nnadozie made a commanding save from McCabe’s deep cross.
Camacho then had a great opportunity moments later, but her flicked header was brilliantly clawed away by Van Domselaar.
There was then a lengthy stoppage in the game as Mpome received treatment after being hit on the head by a cross and was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
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The Seagulls were handed another injury blow just minutes after play resumed when skipper Maisie Symonds was forced off and was replaced by Nadine Noordam.
Substitute Blackstenius came close multiple times in the final stages, nodding McCabe’s corner on to the crossbar before flicking an effort just past a post.
Russo’s sliced strike flashed wide of the upright before 13 minutes was added on, where another Blackstenius shot rolled just off-target.
