AliousBrighton End WSL Drought in Style as Nnadozie’s Heroics Crush Leicester’s Hopes
Brighton finally snapped their long winless stretch in the Women’s Super League, securing their first league victory since September with a commanding performance over Leicester City at the American Express Stadium.
After surviving a wave of early Leicester pressure, the Seagulls took control when Madison Haley opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Just moments into the second half, Maelys Mpome doubled the advantage after Brighton forced a turnover high up the pitch and sliced through the Foxes’ backline.
Leicester’s Shannon O’Brien continued her scoring streak by slotting home in the 75th minute, briefly sparking hope for the visitors. But Brighton shut the door moments later. Marisa Olislagers restored the two-goal cushion with a composed strike from the edge of the box, and Kiko Seike capped off the evening by burying a rebound after Maisie Symonds’ shot was parried away.
Despite the final scoreline, Leicester could have buried the contest early. They carved out several major chances within the opening 25 minutes, but Brighton had one woman to thank: goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The Nigeria international produced a catalogue of crucial saves—pushing aside Jutta Rantala’s fierce effort, denying O’Brien one-on-one, and racing off her line to prevent Rantala from chipping her.
Moments later, Seike rattled the crossbar before turning provider for Haley, who lifted the ball over Janina Leitzig to give Brighton the breakthrough. From that moment, the hosts grew sharper, more clinical, and far more composed in both boxes.
Leicester’s bright start faded as missed chances returned to haunt them. The loss delivered an unwanted milestone: the Foxes have now set a new WSL record for the longest winless run away from home, surpassing Yeovil Town’s previous mark.
To make matters worse, Leicester also saw Rantala—one of their standout performers—forced off injured in clear discomfort, adding to Rick Passmoor’s mounting concerns as his squad drifts closer toward the relegation battle.
Brighton, meanwhile, climb to seventh with 11 points from nine matches, easing pressure after a difficult spell that included a League Cup exit to Charlton. Leicester stay ninth with six points, only four ahead of bottom-placed Liverpool, and face a tense stretch ahead as West Ham, Everton, and Liverpool all close in.
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What’s Next?
* Brighton: Host London City Lionesses on Sunday, 7 December (12:00 GMT) in the WSL.
* Leicester City: Travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday, 23 November (15:00 GMT) for League Cup action, before hosting Manchester City on Sunday, 7 December (12:00 GMT).
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### Player of the Match
1 — C. Nnadozie (Brighton)
Average rating: 8.24
A selection of top Brighton performers:
* 21 — M. Haley: 8.09
* 11 — K. Seike: 8.00
* 8 — M. Symonds: 7.85
* 10 — J. Čanković: 7.71
* 19 — M. Olislagers: 7.70
* 5 — M. Mpome: 7.60
* 15 — N. Noordam: 7.60
* 27 — R. McLauchlan: 7.55
* 33 — C. Rule: 7.40
* 3 — M. Minami: 7.25
* 46 — E. Martin: 7.08
* 6 — R. Kafaji: 7.08
* 18 — C. Hayes: 6.75
* 2 — M. Vanegas: 6.54
* 29 — F. Tsunoda: 6.50
Alious
