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 ideal way 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.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Olivia Smith finds Arsenal the equaliser against Birmingham City after this sensational strike.
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.
What the result means…
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
