Dario Vidosic is set to take Brighton and Hove Albion to their highest finish in the Women's Super League after ending the home campaign with a 4-2 win over a shell-shocked Arsenal side featuring Matildas Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord.
Vidosic is in his debut season in England after leaving Melbourne City last July, and barring highly improbable last-day results will lead Albion to fifth place.
The Gunners reached the Champions League final, where they will face holders Barcelona, nine days ago but have since conceded nine goals in two matches following a 5-2 midweek defeat by Aston Villa.
While Renee Slegars tries to work out what is going on with her side, Vidosic is able to savour a fine campaign.
Brighton will achieve a top-five finish unless they lose at Villa on Saturday, Liverpool win at champions Chelsea, and there is a 10-goal swing in goal difference.
Albion gave their fans a memorable send-off at Broadfield Stadium, Crawley, with Fran Kirby firing in the opening goal after 16 minutes.
Although Foord soon equalised, Jelena Cankovic struck either side of the break - her second after Arsenal were caught playing out from the back - to put the hosts firmly in control after 52 minutes.
Kiko Seike added a fourth just two minutes later after a swift counter to keep Brighton fifth and on course for a best-ever season.
Arsenal, who had created a stack of chances but finished poorly, finally scored a late consolation through Mariona Caldentey in stoppage time.
with PA
