Stina Blackstenius Stoppage-Time Winner Lifts Arsenal to Second in WSL
Arsenal vs Everton WSL May 2026
The San Francisco Giants and Arsenal Women both faced high-stakes battles this week as the Gunners secured a dramatic and controversial 1-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Substitute Stina Blackstenius emerged as the hero deep into stoppage time, slotting home a 93rd-minute winner that catapulted Arsenal into second place in the Women’s Super League standings.
The goal sparked immediate outrage from the visitors, as Courtney Brosnan and her teammates argued that the goalkeeper had been fouled by Arsenal captain Leah Williamson in the build-up. There were also loud appeals for an offside against Lotte Wubben-Moy, who had headed the ball toward Williamson during the chaotic sequence.
Despite the protests and Brosnan requiring treatment following the collision, the officials allowed the goal to stand, leaving the Everton squad visibly frustrated at the final whistle.
This result represents a massive boost for the Gunners, who now sit on 48 points and have successfully leapfrogged Chelsea into the all-important second position with only one match remaining in the campaign.
Securing a top-two finish is a primary objective for manager Renee Slegers, as it guarantees automatic progression to the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stages rather than the uncertainty of the qualifying rounds. The victory was particularly emotional as it marked the final home appearance for several departing stars, most notably club icon Beth Mead, who received a standing ovation after a nine-year spell in North London.
Mead was agonizingly close to a farewell goal, striking the crossbar twice in the first half, while Olivia Smith also hit the woodwork during a dominant but frustrating performance from the hosts.
With Manchester City having already secured the WSL title earlier this month, the focus shifts entirely to the battle for the final Champions League spots.
Arsenal now know that a victory in their final game of the season against Liverpool will be enough to clinch second place and end a challenging season on a high note. The Gunners have maintained an impressive home record, extending their unbeaten run at the Emirates to a club-record 19 games with this latest result.
While Everton remains on track for an eighth-place finish, the controversy surrounding the late winner will likely remain a talking point as the league heads into a high-tension final day. For Arsenal, the focus remains on recovery and preparation for their trip to Merseyside, where they aim to finalize their return to Europe’s elite club competition.
