Arsenal overcame battling Brighton in the Women’s Super League at Emirates Stadium to end a four-match winless run, despite another unconvincing performance.
The hosts took a 15th-minute lead when Olivia Smith’s low shot deflected off Brighton defender Marisa Olislagers and past wrong-footed visiting keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
But the Gunners failed to build on their early momentum, however, and they needed keeper Daphne van Domselaar to foil Kiko Seike twice before the break.
Arsenal were denied a second on 57 minutes when Maelys Mpome cleared off the line following a goalmouth scramble, but soon needed van Domselaar to rescue them again when she saved well from a Carla Camacho header.
There was a 10-minute break in play during the second half after Mpome went down injured when a ball struck her in the face. The French defender left the field on a stretcher with an oxygen mask and head brace and manager Dario Vidosic later said she had concussion but was “up and about”.
Arsenal were unable to add to their lead in a spell of late pressure, with Stina Blackstenius hitting the bar and shooting narrowly wide.
But with a first win in all competitions since beating West Ham 5-1 on 12 September, Arsenal are fifth in the WSL table, five points behind leaders Chelsea.
