Arsenal 1-0 Brighton: Gunners below par but end four-match winless run

Arsenal defeated Brighton in the Women’s Super League at the Emirates Stadium to end a run of four matches without a win, despite another unconvincing performance.

The hosts took the lead in the 15th minute when Olivia Smith’s low shot deflected off Brighton defender Marisa Olislagers and past wrong-footed visiting goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

But the Gunners failed to capitalize on their early momentum and needed goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar to thwart Kiko Seike twice before the break.

Arsenal were denied a second in the 57th minute when Maelys Mpome cleared the line following a scrum in goal, but soon needed van Domselaar to save them again when she saved well from a Carla Camacho header.

There was a 10-minute break in play in the second half after Mpome was injured when a ball hit her in the face. The French defender left the field on a stretcher with an oxygen mask and helmet.

Arsenal were unable to extend their lead in a late period of pressure, with Stina Blackstenius hitting the bar and shooting narrowly wide.

But with a first victory in all competitions since their 5-1 victory over West Ham on September 12, Arsenal are fifth in the WSL table, five points behind leaders Chelsea.