WSL round-up: Everton drop first points of the season as Arsenal cement place at the top

Arsenal fastened their grip at the top of the Women’s Super League as Everton dropped points for the first time this season after being held to a 2-2 draw by a resolute Brighton outfit.

The Gunners inflicted a 6-1 drubbing over Tottenham as Vivianne Miedema become the WSL’s all-time leading goal scorer after her hattrick ensured she surpassed Nikkita Parris’ previous haul of 49.

A late goal from Brighton’s Aileen Whelan meant The Toffees, who have been the surprise story of this new campaign, could not extend their four-game winning streak.

Willie Kirk’s side went in search of a winner late on as Danielle Turner struck the woodwork but the heroics of Brighton keeper Megan Walsh earned the visitors a point.

Manchester City also endured a frustrating afternoon after being forced to settle for a 1-1 at Reading. Amalie Eikeland headed in from a corner within three minutes to give the Royals the lead against last season's runners-up.

Royals’ keeper Grace Maloney had a busy afternoon and City struggled to break Reading’s last line of defence until Sam Mewis eventually equalised to leave Gareth Taylor’s side seven points behind league leaders Arsenal heading into the international break.

Elsewhere, Alessia Russo continued to underline her credentials as a future England regular after scoring twice in Manchester United’s 4-2 win over West Ham, while also setting up Tobin Heath’s clinical finish.

Emily van Egmond's header pulled one back for The Irons after Russo’s first and Rachel Daly's cross found the net to give the hosts hope as they trailed 3-2, but Christen Press's late strike sealed the points for United.

There were four different goal scorers as Birmingham claimed back-to-back WSL wins for the first time in two years with a 4-0 victory over winless Bristol City, who remain bottom.

Rachel Corsie, Mollie Green, Claudia Walker all converted before Christie Murray smashed in a penalty, with Abbi Grant’s stoppage-time sending off the only blemish on an otherwise convincing performance from Carla Ward’s side.