flag
back Back
Arsenal 1-1 Birmingham: Olivia Smith stunner saves Gunners from shocking defeat but pressure intensifies on Renee Slegers

Report and free match highlights as Arsenal draw 1-1 with Birmingham City at the Emirates Stadium; Olivia Smith's stunner cancels out Oceane Hurtre's opener; Arsenal with just one win in six WSL games

Pressure continued to mount on Renee Slegers as Arsenal were booed off the pitch following their 1-1 draw with Birmingham at the Emirates.

Arsenal went into the international break with just five points from their opening five WSL games after the 4-2 defeat with Manchester City, and just one win in six in all competitions.

A home game against newly-promoted Birmingham, who themselves had mustered just two league draws all campaign, seemed like the scenario to return to winning ways.

That was not to be the case.

After Alessia Russo struck the post with a fabulous diving header in the first half, the Gunners were left stunned as they were hit on the break early in the second, allowing September's player of the month Oceane Hurtre to poke the visitors ahead.

Birmingham's resolve was tested, with Sophie Baggaley making a superb save to maintain the lead. However, seconds later she was beaten by an incredible Olivia Smith strike to pull Slegers' side level.

Arsenal pushed for a late winner but a combination of Baggaley and their inefficiency in front of goal that has plagued them all season ensured they went winless in five WSL games for the first time.

It resulted in boos at the full-time whistle, as questions over Slegers' future intensify.

Key moments from the Emirates

14: SAVE! Cooney-Cross' smart half-volley kept out by Baggaley.

18: OVER! Russo gifted a chance after Baggaley's poor pass, but attempted lob goes over.

38: POST! Russo comes agonisingly close to converting excellent Williamson cross.

50: OVER! Holmberg impressive run ends in her striking over the bar.

53: GOAL! Arsenal shell-shocked as Hurtre gives Birmingham lead on the counter.

65: HUGE SAVE! Baggaley denies Baum from point-blank range.

66: GOAL! Smith stunner pulls Gunners level.

73: MASSIVE SAVE! Baggaley again on hand to stop Wubben-Moy right on the line.

76: OVER! Smith snatches at big chance to put Arsenal ahead.

'Arsenal already out of title race'

Sky Sports' Izzy Christiansen:

"It's been such an interesting start to the season for Arsenal. I think they are left with so many questions and no answers right now, but they are not playing badly. They're not failing to create chances.

"If Manchester City and Chelsea win tomorrow, you would almost write them out of the title race.

"If they had won today they might've found a bit of momentum. I genuinely think the failure to win today has pushed them out of a title race. That was not what Renee Slegers' mission was this season."

You may like

Barcelona 5-2 Real Betis: player ratings breakdown

managingbarca.com 4 hours ago

Newcastle 0 Aston Villa 1 match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players

themag.co.uk 3 hours ago

Real Madrid news: Jude Bellingham 'agrees' new long-term contract to extend Bernabeu stay into ne...

sportsmole.co.uk 1 day ago

Lamine Yamal's Barcelona remains unstoppable and makes history with its ninth straight league win

marca.com 4 hours ago

“We didn’t give them a sniff”- Josh Bowen reacts as Forest Green face Chesham replay after frustr...

gloucestershirelive.co.uk 2 hours ago

Kris Boyd slams Rangers duo Emmanuel Fernandez and Dujon Sterling as footage emerges from Dundee ...

rangersnews.uk 1 hour ago

Matthias Jaissle responds to Newcastle United boos and explains why Dan Burn was used as a striker

chroniclelive.co.uk 3 hours ago

Ethan Nwaneri’s brother forced to play as a goalkeeper in dramatic Arsenal U18 win vs Tottenham

arsenalinsider.com 3 hours ago

Derek McInnes hails new signing after first Rangers goal

glasgowtimes.co.uk 1 hour ago

Andoni Iraola tells Liverpool fans why they should not worry about Bradley Barcola’s missed chances

rousingthekop.com 5 hours ago