Arsenal fight back for 1-1 draw with Birmingham at the Emirates

Arsenal had to come from behind to rescue a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday in the Women's Super League, the top flight of women's football in England. BBC Sport

It was goalless at the break. Neither side could find a way through in a tight first half at the Emirates, with the game still 0-0 at half-time, according to the BBC Sport live blog.

Birmingham struck first. Oceane Hurtre gave the visitors the lead shortly after the restart, scoring in the 53rd minute to stun the home crowd.

Arsenal answered through Olivia Smith. Smith found the net to level the match at 1-1 and spare Arsenal defeat at home, Arsenal reported. No winner followed.

The visitors arrived as underdogs. Birmingham were newly promoted ahead of this trip to north London, with the match preview noting their step up to the WSL, Arsenal noted. Kick-off was at 12:45pm on Saturday.

The game was staged at the Emirates Stadium as scheduled for Saturday, October 17. Arsenal Women now treat the Emirates as their main home, after previously announcing plans to play 11 home games there in a season.

For fans, this one will feel like two points dropped. Arsenal had the crowd and the late momentum. Birmingham had the lead and held on for a point that will mean plenty in their first season back up.