Arsenal match suspended for 10 minutes as star given oxygen after worrying head injury

The Women's Super League clash between Arsenal and Brighton was paused for 10 minutes following a head injury that saw the victim require oxygen. Maelys Mpome was defending a cross when the ball hit her directly in the face and left the field on a stretcher.

The Brighton defender sparked concerning scenes as she was first treated on the pitch and placed into a neck brace and onto a stretcher. Six medics helped her off the pitch with an oxygen mask and tank in place.

Following the lengthy delay in action, Mpome received a standing ovation from Brighton's fans at the Emirates. At the end of the game, 13 minutes of stoppage time were added on.

The Seagulls' social media account said: "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."

Arsenal came away victors after taking the lead in the opening half of the game at the Emirates Stadium. Marisa Olislagers scored an own-goal in the 15th minute.

READ MORE: Shanghai Masters finalist falls off stage during trophy ceremony after losing to cousin

READ MORE: Arsenal star reacts to what Viktor Gyokeres did in training: "He's an animal"

Olislagers turned into her own net as she deflected Olivia Smith's cross. Neither side was able to change the scoreline for the remainder of the match, with 27,336 people watching on in north London.

Former Arsenal and England defender Gilly Flaherty was impressed by Brighton's performance in defeat. "Brighton have been strong today," she said on BBC.

"They've been disciplined. They will feel frustrated that the only goal they conceded came from an own goal. They couldn't have done much about it

"But they can take a lot of positives from this game. They will hope that they can pick up points when they come up against teams in and around them."

Arsenal's victory moves them to fifth in the WSL, with three wins from their opening six games. The visitors, meanwhile, are four points behind in seventh.

Flaherty believes it was crucial for the north London side to claim three points, regardless of performance. Arsenal came into the game winless in their previous four matches, with their most recent loss coming against Lyon.

"When you are coming off the back of results Arsenal have had, they just need to get those three points," she said. "That's what they will be taking away from this game.

"The substitutes came on and made an impact today as well. It's just an important result for Renee Slegers and Arsenal."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.