Arsenal’s Women’s Super League clash with Brighton was halted for ten minutes after Seagulls defender Maelys Mpome sustained a serious head injury in the second half at the Emirates Stadium.
The French defender was struck directly in the face while attempting to block a cross in front of the away supporters, collapsing to the turf immediately. Medical staff rushed onto the pitch as players from both sides looked on in concern.
Brighton later confirmed that Mpome had been treated for a head injury and was placed in a neck brace before being stretchered from the field.
“After a lengthy pause in play, Maelys has been stretchered off after initially receiving medical attention on the pitch. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Maelys,” the club posted on social media following the incident.
Play was stopped for over 10 minutes as they dealt with the injury to Maelys Mpome
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The 22-year-old was carried off by six medical personnel using a stretcher and protective hammock, with an oxygen mask and tank attached as a precaution.
The crowd of 27,336 — one of the largest of the WSL season — rose to applaud Mpome as she was taken down the tunnel.
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Dutch defender Marit Auee came on as her replacement, but Brighton’s problems deepened moments later when midfielder Maisie Symonds was also forced off after going down unchallenged.
The two stoppages combined led to an additional 13 minutes being added at the end of normal time.
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Emirates Stadium had one of the largest crowds of the WSL season
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Arsenal, who had dominated the early stages, took the lead in the 15th minute through an own goal by Marisa Olislagers. The Brighton full-back was unfortunate to deflect Olivia Smith’s cross into her own net, handing the hosts what proved to be the only goal of the game.
Despite the interruptions, the Gunners maintained control for much of the match, limiting Brighton to few chances.
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The result lifted Renée Slegers’s side into the top five after a sluggish start to the campaign, restoring momentum as they look to climb back into title contention.
The crowd at the Emirates — just under half the stadium’s capacity — reflected the continued growth of the women’s game, with Arsenal supporters loudly backing their side throughout. However, the mood turned somber as medical teams attended to Mpome, whose welfare became the overriding concern for players and fans alike.
Maelys Mpome formally played for Chelsea before heading to Brighton
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Elsewhere in the WSL, Chelsea maintained their two-point advantage at the top of the table with a narrow 1-0 win over Tottenham, while Manchester United thrashed Everton 4-1 in their first-ever women’s fixture at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.