Vivianne Miedema makes history as Arsenal extend lead at top of WSL

Vivianne Miedema became the first player to reach 100 Women’s Super League goal contributions as Arsenal beat Birmingham 4-2 to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Rafaelle Souza opened the scoring for Arsenal before Miedema doubled the lead with a cool first-half finish.

Beth Mead put Arsenal 3-0 up before Birmingham pulled two goals back Libby Smith and Lucy Quinn.

But Caitlin Foord’s late strike sealed victory to move Arsenal eight points clear of Chelsea in second place, although the Blues have three games in hand.

Miedema’s 100 goal contributions comprise 70 goals and 30 assists since her arrival in 2017.

Vivianne Miedema has now been directly involved in 100 goals in 83 WSL appearances, scoring 70 times while providing 30 assists.

Incredible numbers.#BBCFootball https://t.co/wd4QyYOWJf

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: "We were in total control, playing well, then we conceded a goal and then another out of nothing. It looked like we just wanted the game to end.

"But you can’t play football with fear and I’m happy we scored the fourth goal."

Elsewhere in the WSL on Sunday, Tottenham were held to a 0-0 draw at Reading.

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.