Arsenal extend lead at top of WSL despite late Birmingham scare

Arsenal opened up an eight-point gap between themselves and their nearest title contenders Chelsea with a deserved 4-2 win over Birmingham.

Though the hosts conceded two late goals, they remained potent in their attack throughout thanks to the defence-dismantling duo of Vivianne Miedema and Stina Blackstenius. All eyes will now be trained on Emma Hayes’ Chelsea, who must win their three games in hand to match the pace of the current league leaders and their new-look attack.

Blackstenius, signed in the January transfer window, led the line in a fashionable 3-4-3, while Miedema operated from a deeper position, haunting the midfield half-spaces.

Every time Birmingham sought to leave the confines of their defensive third, it was the marauding Arsenal full-backs that fed the pair, forcing the visitors to punt long to an isolated Libby Smith.

It was only a matter of time before that particular ploy would lead to a goal, and it all unfolded in the 13th minute with a swashbuckling run from Steph Catley down the Arsenal right. The full-back may have been frustrated when her shot was deflected onto the crossbar and not past Marie Hourihane’s reach, but the disappointment would be short-lived when the resulting corner, delivered expertly by Laura Wienroither, was headed in by Rafaelle Souza.

Arsenal doubled down with their high-pressing system, forcing possession to be turned over again. This time it was Blackstenius leading the charge, with the ball ricocheting around in the penalty box. In strode Miedema, calm and composed amidst the defensive scramble to slot the loose ball away with ease to score Arsenal’s second in the 33rd minute.

The Arsenal manager, Jonas Eidevall, had this to say on Miedema’s current form: “Viv enjoys