The Women’s Super League fixture between Arsenal and Brighton at the Emirates Stadium was temporarily suspended on Sunday after a worrying head injury to Brighton defender Maelys Mpome.

The incident occurred midway through the first half when Mpome was struck in the face by a cross while attempting to block a delivery into the box. Medical staff rushed onto the field immediately.

Mpome was treated for several minutes before being fitted with a neck brace and supplied with oxygen. Six medical staff assisted as she was stretchered off the pitch to applause from both sets of supporters.

Brighton later confirmed the defender was receiving further medical attention, writing on social media: “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.”

Following the 10-minute delay, play resumed with an additional 13 minutes of stoppage time added at the end of the match.

On the field, Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory thanks to an early own goal from Brighton’s Marisa Olislagers, who deflected Olivia Smith’s cross into her own net in the 15th minute.

Despite the loss, Brighton impressed with their organization and defensive discipline. Former England international Gilly Flaherty praised their performance, noting that “they will feel frustrated that the only goal they conceded came from an own goal.”

Arsenal’s win lifted them to fifth place in the WSL standings, with three wins from six matches. Brighton sit four points behind in seventh after a promising but unlucky showing.

Manager Renee Slegers’ side ended a four-game winless streak, a much-needed morale boost after their recent defeat to Lyon. The Gunners will next turn their attention to keeping momentum in their upcoming fixtures.

The match also underscored ongoing conversations around player safety in women’s football, with head injury protocols again in focus following the serious but well-managed incident involving Mpome.

The incident echoed several previous WSL matches halted due to head injuries, including Arsenal’s Beth Mead being treated after a collision in 2022 and Chelsea’s Magdalena Eriksson requiring medical attention during a 2021 fixture. 

These moments have renewed calls for temporary concussion substitutes and stricter head injury protocols across women’s football.