Vivianne Miedema joined the Gunners from Bayern Munich in 2017 and won the WSL title in 2018-19 and three Women's League Cups during her time in north London
Record Women’s Super League goalscorer Vivianne Miedema scored on her last appearance for Arsenal as the Gunners ended their season by thrashing Brighton.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the 27-year-old Dutch striker would leave the club in the summer when her contract expires and she was named among the substitutes.
She received a fantastic ovation when she replaced Alessia Russo and came on in the 62nd minute and scored within two minutes, finishing first time after a through ball from Beth Mead.
That was Miedema’s 80th goal in the WSL and 126th overall in Arsenal colours from 173 appearances.
At the time of Miedema’s introduction, the Gunners held a 2-0 lead at the time after England forward Russo had given them a 17th-minute advantage with a first-time strike from just inside the penalty area.
Arsenal, who were already guaranteed to finish third, were gifted another goal seven minutes later as Maria Thorisdottir’s poor pass in her penalty area saw Russo, the WSL player of the month for April, get her second goal.
The hosts had a chance to make it 3-0 when Jorelyn Carabali fouled Steph Catley in the 18-yard box but Kim Little hit the post with the penalty.
But Miedema made an instant impact after coming on, before Laia Codina headed in Mead’s corner from the left for the Gunners’ fourth goal, with Brighton defender Jorelyn Carabali, on the line, unable to keep the ball out.
Miedema then set up Arsenal's fifth, playing the pass through the middle, with Frida Maanum racing on to it and slotting the ball past Sophie Baggaley in the 89th minute.
This match could be the last WSL game at Meadow Park after Arsenal announced plans to stage all 11 of their league matches in 2024-25 at Emirates Stadium - and this was a fine finish to the Gunners’ campaign.
Miedema ends Arsenal career in style
Miedema won four trophies, including the WSL title, in her seven seasons with Arsenal
Arsenal goalkeeper Sabrina d'Angelo is also leaving the club in the summer and she was nearly beaten in the 20th minute, only for Elizabeth Terland's deflected effort to bounce off the crossbar.
D'Angelo also then gifted the ball to Madison Haley but redeemed herself by diving at the Brighton player's feet.
Brighton had a late chance to grab a consolation goal when substitute Veatriki Sarri had only D'Angelo to beat, but the Canadian made a fine save with her legs to secure a clean sheet in her final match.
But the main celebrations were reserved for Miedema.
There had been applause in the 11th minute - the shirt number she wears - around the ground, before she came on in the second half and instantly showed her finishing class.
She joined the Gunners from Bayern Munich in 2017 and won the WSL title in 2018-19 and three Women's League Cups during her time in north London.
Miedema said: "To have represented a club like this, with so much history and tradition, has been an absolute honour. Being part of this group of players over the years has always inspired me to be the best I can be."
Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall said the decision to let Miedema leave was the best one for the club and added: "When we are taking decisions like this, it's to build Arsenal as strong as possible for the future."
However, former Arsenal and England striker Ellen White called it "an absolutely shocking decision".
White, who is now a pundit, added: "To not offer her a new contract, to not show desire to keep her at the club, to not build a team around Vivianne Miedema. It's shocking they haven't shown her the love to want to keep her at the club."
