Arsenal survived a late Birmingham fight back to extend their lead at the WSL summit to eight points with a 4-2 win over the league’s bottom side.
Vivianne Miedema became the first player in WSL history to record 100 goal involvements as she appeared to put Arsenal on the road to a comfortable victory when she netted her side’s second, but Birmingham scored twice in the final 15 minutes to ensure a nervy finish at Kingsmeadow.
Rafaelle rose highest to head home her first goal for the club to give the Gunners the lead following Steph Catley’s set piece delivery, before Miedema tucked home from close range at the second time of asking to double Arenal‘s advantage.
Arsenal spent much of the second half camped in Birmingham’s half as the visitors defended deep, and netted their third 20 minutes from time. Catley and Beth Mead combined down the Gunners left, and the latter produced a cool, low finish into the bottom corner.
Arsenal looked in complete control but with 15 minutes remaining, Birmingham pulled one back. The hosts failed to deal with a set piece, and Libby Smith tucked home at the back post.
The Gunners were really made to sweat as Birmingham halved the deficit in the 82nd minute. Lucy Quinn capitalised on a poor piece of Arsenal defending with a looping finish over Manuela Zinsberger.
Caitlin Foord settled Arsenal nerves in stoppage time, latching onto Lia Walti’s fabulous pass and finishing through the legs of Marie Hourihan.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
3. Forwards
Birmingham player ratings
6. Midfielders
Libby Smith (ST) – 6/10 – A tough ask leading the line solo against the excellent duo of Williamson and Rafaelle. Put herself about, ran her heart out, but unsurprisingly left to feed off scraps. Tucked home at the back post to pull one back for Birmingham.
8. Substitutes
Eleanor Ryan-Doyle – 5/10
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