Olivia Smith's brilliant second-half strike salvaged a point as struggling Arsenal drew 1-1 with Birmingham City, piling more pressure on boss Renée Slegers. The Dutchwoman, who led the Gunners to the 2025 Champions League title, had won just one of their first five Women's Super League matches before the international break. Alessia Russo hit the crossbar late in the first half before Oceane Hurtre fired Birmingham ahead eight minutes after the restart.
Smith equalized six minutes later with a wonder-strike from outside the box. Despite creating early chances, Arsenal struggled to convert, with Russo and Cooney-Cross both missing easy opportunities. The Gunners' goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley made crucial saves to preserve the draw, while a late block from Millie Turner denied Géraldine Reuteler a winner.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing