At a glance
- Brighton Women held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in the WSL
- Fuka Tsunoda scored before Frida Maanum equalised
- The result confirmed Manchester City as WSL champions
Brighton Women continued their strong end to the WSL season by holding Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Broadfield Stadium.
Dario Vidosic’s side went into the game after a 1-1 draw against Manchester United. They had also beaten Manchester City before, ending the game 3-2, proving their competence in the Women’s Super League.
Brighton then faced Arsenal, which was another test for the Seagulls. However, Vidosic’s women managed to maintain their form, drawing 1-1 against the title challengers.
Dropping points against Brighton came at a high cost for the Gunners as they lost the WSL title to Man City this season.
Brighton Women Frustrate Arsenal in First Half
Brighton started the game with confidence, having previously beaten bigger sides in the English top-flight.
Albion managed to control a significant portion of the first half with 51% possession. However, Arsenal were leading with more chances as they ended the half with 7 shots.
Nevertheless, Vidosic’s side remained compact and protected the central areas well. The Gunner didn’t expect an uncomfortable first half and couldn’t capitalise on the opportunities.
Regardless of having just three shots on target in the first 45, Brighton managed to convert one of them into a goal just before half-time.
Fuka Tsunoda didn’t miss as the Japanese midfielder scored her second goal in the WSL 2025/26 campaign.
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Arsenal Respond After The Break
Despite failing to convert in the first half, Arsenal did change the wind in the second. The Gunners were trying to find a way back into the game while dominating the second 45.
Arsenal had 62% possession in the second half and had four times more shots on target than in the first 45.
The visitors quickly found a break midway through as Maanum equalised for the title challengers in the 62nd minute.
The home side could’ve collapsed after the leveller, but Albion stayed in the game despite 10 attempts at goal from the opposition.
Chiamaka Nnadozie was key as the goalkeeper made three saves in the second half, totalling four saves through the game.
Brighton Show They Can Compete With The WSL Elite
Albion have secured five points in their last three games against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.
They had already scored two against Arsenal in their Women’s FA Cup meeting this season and are now in the semi-final.
The Seagulls will face Liverpool next, who aren’t having the best of seasons this campaign. The Reds stand 11th in the WSL, just above bottom-placed Leicester City.
Their FA Cup game will take place on the 10th of May. While Albion may not have won the league this season, they still have a decent shot at the FA Women’s Cup.
If they win this weekend, Brighton will face either Chelsea or Man City in their first-ever Women’s FA Cup final.
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