Arsenal Women Snap Winless Streak with 1-0 Victory Over Brighton

When Arsenal Women scraped a 1-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion Women on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the relief in the London camp was palpable. The match, part of the 2025‑2026 Women’s Super LeagueLondon, ended a four‑game winless run that had seen the Gunners limp through two draws and two defeats.

Match Overview

Kick‑off came in the early afternoon, though the exact time wasn’t disclosed by the league. The first real spark arrived in the 15th minute when Arsenal pressed high, forcing Brighton’s back line to shuffle. The midfield battle was tight, but a disciplined defensive block kept the scoreline level for most of the first half.

The breakthrough came late in the second half. At the 64th minute, Jonas Eidevall, 42, the Swedish manager of Arsenal Women, made a tactical switch, pulling a left‑back forward to add width. The move paid dividends just four minutes later when a well‑timed cross found the lone striker, who slotted the ball past the keeper for the match’s only goal.

Brighton fought back, barely missing an equaliser on the counter‑attack at the 78th minute. The final drama unfolded in stoppage time: a corner awarded at 90+14 after Tahirah Heron mis‑controlled the ball. Arsenal held their nerve, and the referee blew the final whistle.

Key Moments and Tactical Shifts

• 15′ – Early Pressure: Arsenal’s high press forced Brighton to drop deeper, creating space on the flanks.
• 64′ – Formation Change: Eidevall switched from a 4‑3‑3 to a more attacking 3‑4‑3, adding a wing‑back to overload the right side.
• 68′ – The Goal: A swift one‑two on the edge of the box produced the decisive cross.
• 78′ – Brighton Counter‑Attack: A quick midfield turnover nearly resulted in an equaliser, but the shot went wide.
• 90+14′ – Corner: Heron’s mis‑cleared corner was Arsenal’s last set‑piece, but it was a harmless header.

Manager Reactions and Quotes

Post‑match, Jonas Eidevall praised his side’s resilience. “We knew we had to change the tempo after the first half. The lads showed great character, and the goal was a collective effort, not just an individual moment,” he said.

Brighton’s boss, Hope Powell, 58, acknowledged the narrow margin. “Arsenal were the better side today, but we’ll take positives from the way we defended later on. There’s still a lot of work ahead, especially in converting chances.”

League Implications

The win nudged Arsenal Women up to fifth place with 11 points from six matches, sitting just two points behind Tottenham Hotspur Women, who hold fourth. Chelsea remain top with 16 points, followed closely by Manchester City (15) and Manchester United (14).

Brighton’s slip to seventh, with seven points, puts them three points behind the safety‑zone zone occupied by London City Lionesses. The gap may force a tactical overhaul if they hope to avoid a relegation battle later in the season.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures

Arsenal will travel to face Manchester United Women on October 19, a clash that could see them break into the top four if they snag a win. Meanwhile, Brighton’s next challenge is an away game against Liverpool Women on October 21, where a point could be crucial for their mid‑table aspirations.

Fans of the men's sides will also have a reason to celebrate soon: the Carabao Cup pits Arsenal’s men against Brighton’s lads on Wednesday, October 29, offering a chance for a double‑header showdown across the clubs.

Historical Context

Arsenal Women have historically been a powerhouse in English football, boasting 15 league titles since the WSL’s inception in 2011. However, the past few seasons have seen a dip, with the 2024‑25 campaign ending midway in the bottom half of the table. Jonas Eidevall, appointed in 2023, has been tasked with restoring the club’s former glory.

Brighton & Hove Albion Women, promoted to the top flight in 2020, have lived up to their reputation as punchy underdogs. Hope Powell, a former England women’s national team manager, brings a wealth of experience but has yet to secure a top‑three finish with the Seagulls.