Arsenal end winless run via deflection own goal; Nnadozie heroics not enough as Seagulls fall short at Emirates
Arsenal Women clinched a narrow 1–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League (WSL), in a match played from a distinctly Nigerian lens thanks to the presence of Super Falcons’ goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in Brighton’s goal. The Gunners broke their winless streak, while Nnadozie’s performance drew attention, even if it wasn’t enough to secure a result for the Seagulls.
How The Match Unfolded
Arsenal entered the contest under pressure winless in their preceding stretch. While Brighton, buoyed by recent form, looked to keep up momentum. Arsenal dominated possession and territory, aiming to break Brighton down through width and repeated attacks.
The decisive moment came in the 15th minute: Olivia Smith’s cross was deflected by Brighton defender Marisa Olislagers and looped past Chiamaka Nnadozie, registering as an own goal.
Brighton tried to respond, with fringe chances and spells of pressure, but were thwarted by Arsenal’s defensive organization, as well as path-blocking and the occasional intervention from Nnadozie. Meanwhile, a worrying incident befell Brighton’s defense: Maelys Mpomé was struck on the head by a cross, forced to be stretchered off after a stoppage of around ten minutes.
Later in the second half, Arsenal almost doubled their lead via corners and incisive attacking moves; Brighton likewise pushed to force an equalizer but couldn’t break through. Arsenal held firm and secured the 1–0 win.
Match Stats
| Metric | Arsenal | Brighton |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 1 | 0 |
| Goal Circumstance | Own goal (Olislagers, 15′) | — |
| Shots / Attempts | Frequent & Dominant | Few & Cautious |
| Injuries / Incidents | — | Mpomé head injury (stretchered off) |
| Nnadozie’s Impact | — | Multiple key saves, unlucky on deflection |
The Decisive Moment
That 15th‑minute deflected cross proved decisive. Olivia Smith’s cross took an unfortunate touch off Olislagers, wrong‑footing Nnadozie and falling into the net. Given how tight the match remained, that singular misfortune was the difference between the teams.
That the goal was not a clean strike but a deflection underscores how thin margins can be in top‑level WSL matches, especially when one side mounts sustained pressure.
What This Means for Both Teams
Arsenal
The win halts a mini slump, giving tactical relief and momentum. Confidence was restored, especially in home fixtures, and signals their capability to grind out results. But the narrow margin also suggests that their attacking play still needs more cutting edge; opportunities were created but finishing wasn’t clinical.
Brighton & Hove Albion
The defeat is a setback, especially when competing for mid-table stability or pushing for higher. However, defensively, they showed fight; the issue was breaking down a resilient Arsenal backline. The injury to Mpomé is concerning missing a central defender for upcoming games could weaken their structure.
For Nnadozie, despite the loss, the match further cements her reputation in the WSL: she faced constant pressure, yet her contributions prevented a heavier defeat. In the wider WSL standings, Arsenal gain crucial three points that may propel them upward, while Brighton will need to regroup to avoid losing ground in a competitive league.
Reaction and What’s Next
Brighton’s coaching staff will surely express concern over Mpomé’s injury and its implications. Arsenal’s manager, Renée Slegers, will breathe a sigh of relief, but also understand that her side must sharpen attacking transitions going forward.
What’s Next
Arsenal will look to build on this result in their upcoming fixtures, aiming to string together consistent performances and climb the table.
Brighton must manage the aftermath of the injury, reinforce their defense, and look to bounce back quickly in subsequent matches to maintain competitive standing.
For Chiamaka Nnadozie, every match is a platform: continued strong performances could further her reputation, especially among Nigerian fans watching abroad. She’s already making headlines. She was nominated for the PFA WSL Fans’ Player of the Month for September.
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