A Marisa Olislagers own goal in the 15th minute handed Arsenal Women a narrow 1-0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in their Women's Super League (WSL) clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The win ended Arsenal's four-game winless run across all competitions.
The decisive moment came when Olivia Smith's low cross from the right flank took a deflection off Olislagers, catching Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie off guard at her near post. Despite creating several chances throughout the match, Arsenal were unable to extend their lead, with Stina Blackstenius hitting the crossbar in the second half.
Arsenal started the game with high energy, creating several opportunities in the opening minutes. Caitlin Foord flicked Mariona Caldentey's corner into the path of Smith, whose shot went just over the bar. Moments later, Katie McCabe's cross almost caught Nnadozie out, forcing the goalkeeper to tip the ball onto the crossbar. After the own goal, Arsenal continued to press, but Nnadozie made some impressive saves to keep Brighton in the game.
Brighton, to their credit, did not simply roll over. Midway through the first half, Kiko Seike almost got on the end of Jelena Cankovic's ball to the far post, only to be denied by a goal-line tackle from McCabe. In the 38th minute, Ueki threatened, forcing a quick reaction save from Daphne Van Domselaar in the Arsenal goal.
The second half saw Arsenal again start brightly, with McCabe testing Nnadozie early on. Olivia Smith's volley was blocked in a crowded penalty area, causing a scramble. Brighton almost equalized on the hour mark when Carla Camacho met Cankovic's cross with a powerful header, but Van Domselaar made an excellent diving save to preserve Arsenal's lead.
The match was paused for a lengthy stoppage in the second half due to an injury to Brighton's Maelys Mpome, who was stretchered off the field. The incurred stoppage time led to a total of 13 minutes of added time.
Arsenal made a triple substitution in the 64th minute, with Beth Mead, Stina Blackstenius, and Kyra Cooney-Cross replacing Olivia Smith, Mariona Caldentey, and Frida Maanum, respectively. In the 89th minute, Chloe Kelly came on for Caitlin Foord. Kelly was later shown a yellow card for a bad foul in added time.
Despite the narrow victory, Arsenal's performance was somewhat sluggish, and they had Van Domselaar to thank for some crucial saves. The win, however, allowed Arsenal to move up to sixth place in the WSL standings, above Brighton, with eight points.
Arsenal will next face Benfica in Portugal for their first European away day of the UEFA Women's Champions League season on October 16.
