Brighton left Arsenal shocked once again as they ran out 4-2 winners to leave the Gunners with a final-day shootout with Manchester United for second place.
Gunners boss Renee Slegers had been expecting a response from a 5-2 defeat by Aston Villa on Wednesday – which had followed on from their Champions League heroics against Lyon to reach the final – and made six changes to her side.
Brighton, though, gave their fans a memorable send-off at Broadfield Stadium, with Fran Kirby firing in the opening goal after 16 minutes.
Although Caitlin Foord soon equalised, Jelena Cankovic struck either side of the break – her second after Arsenal were caught playing out from the back – to put the hosts firmly in control after 52 minutes.
Kiko Seike added a fourth just two minutes later following a swift counter to keep fifth-placed Brighton on course for a highest-ever finish in the WSL.
Arsenal scored a late consolation through Mariona Caldentey in stoppage time, with Jenna Nighswonger’s effort then pushed onto the crossbar, leaving Slegers’ squad to regroup as they aim to make sure of a runners-up spot in their last league match against closest rivals United.
Story of the match in stats
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