Vivianne Miedema hits WSL milestone as Arsenal beat Birmingham

The Dutch forward’s overall tally now stands at 70 goals and 30 assists.

Vivianne Miedema’s WSL tally now stands at 70 goals and 30 assists (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)

Vivianne Miedema reached another landmark of 100 Women’s Super League goal contributions to help leaders Arsenal beat bottom club Birmingham 4-2.

The Dutch forward, the WSL’s all-time leading scorer, chalked up her 10th goal of the season on the half-hour to double the Gunners’ lead after Brazilian Rafaelle Souza headed them in front in the 14th minute.

It took Miedema’s overall tally to 70 goals and 30 assists in the WSL, having joined Arsenal during 2017.

The Gunners had suffered a shock 2-0 loss at St Andrew’s in January – their only defeat of the campaign so far – but never looked in danger of a repeat after taking control at Meadow Park.

Beth Mead made it 3-0 with 20 minutes left before Birmingham – eight points adrift at the foot of the table – rallied through goals from Libby Smith and Lucy Quinn, but Caitlin Foord slotted in a fourth during stoppage-time.

Arsenal sit eight points clear of Chelsea, who have played three matches less and were beaten in the Continental Cup final by Manchester City on Saturday.

Later on Sunday, Tottenham missed the chance to go second after being held to a goalless draw at Reading.

Spurs went close to breaking the deadlock when Ashleigh Neville’s looping effort came back off the inside of the post.

Royals goalkeeper Grace Moloney was in inspired form, while at the other end Tinja-Riikka Korpela saved well from Amalie Eikeland.

The point leaves Tottenham in fourth place, behind Manchester United on goal difference, while Reading are sixth.