Slegers left dismayed as Arsenal´s draw at Brighton sees Man City seal WSL title

A frustrated Renee Slegers was left “very disappointed” after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Brighton sealed the Women’s Super League title for Manchester City.

Arsenal had to win all three of their games in hand to send the title race to the final day, but they fell at the first hurdle at Broadfield Stadium on Wednesday.

Fuka Tsunoda edged Brighton ahead just before half-time with a deflected finish, though the hosts had earlier had chances through Olaug Tvedten and Carla Camacho.

Frida Maanum levelled in the 62nd minute, teed up by Alessia Russo’s throughball, but Arsenal could not find a late goal in their must-win clash.

“Congratulations to Man City, who have now won the league,” Arsenal boss Slegers said on BBC Three. “It was disappointing today.”

Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie had produced an expert stop against Caitlin Foord and dealt with a long-range drive from Mariona Caldentey before Maanum’s equaliser.

We settle for a point pic.twitter.com/jtZURyQICo

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 6, 2026

Nnadozie then saved low from Russo’s header late on as Brighton clung on for a point that handed Man City their first title in 10 years.

Needing to win to keep their title push alive, Arsenal managed just one shot on target in the first half, though, much to Slegers’ frustration.

“First half, we had to do too much work out of possession, and then we didn’t have the energy or the quality or solutions in possession, which made it hard for us,” Slegers added.

“The second half was much better, we dominated them in shots and possession in and around the area, but they took that chance and we had to score two goals.

“We didn’t do that well enough today. Credit to Brighton, who are a very tough opponent to play against, and they did well, but we have to look at ourselves, and we are very disappointed.”

The draw at least moved Arsenal four points behind second-placed Chelsea with two games in hand on the Blues, as they look to wrap up Champions League qualification. Fourth-placed Manchester United are two points off the Gunners.