Arsenal Women lose to Lyon in UCL, beat Brighton amid Mpome injury

Arsenal Women endured a mixed week as their bid to defend the Women’s Champions League faltered with a 2-1 home defeat by Lyon on October 7, only for the team to return to WSL winning ways five days later with a nervy 1-0 victory over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on October 12. The European loss exposed defensive errors, while the domestic win was overshadowed by a serious head injury to Brighton defender Maelys Mpomé.

At Meadow Park, Arsenal took an early lead when Alessia Russo finished a Beth Mead-created chance in the seventh minute. That advantage lasted just 11 minutes as Melchie Dumornay capitalised on a misdirected pass from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar to score from close range. Dumornay struck again in the 23rd minute, firing into the top corner after intercepting a headed clearance. Lyon dominated much of the remainder of the match, edging possession and opportunities as they closed out a 2-1 victory that dealt a setback to Arsenal’s title defence.

Dumornay’s brace took her tally in the Champions League to 10 goals and extended a run in which she has scored in each of her last five appearances in the competition. Arsenal manager Renée Slegers will face...