Leicester City 1-4 Arsenal: Russo and Blackstenius star in big Gunners win | OneFootball

Arsenal made light work of Leicester City, winning 4-1 at the King Power Stadium to keep their sights set on the Champions League spots.

A dominant first half gave the Gunners a three-goal lead thanks to goals from Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius, along with an own-goal courtesy of Sari Kees.

Noémie Mouchon did pull one back for the Foxes in the 83rd minute, only for Blackstenius to both secure her brace and all three points for Arsenal a minute later.

As it happened

Leicester City were hoping to return from the international break with more success after a three match winless streak in the Women’s Super league, but they faced an Arsenal side in need of a kickstart of their own.

The Gunners were also hoping to find their feet again this season after a disappointing start to the WSL, with injuries proving a major hinderance. Captain Leah Williamson has been unable to play all season after damaging her knee in the Women’s Euros this summer and, further injuries to Olivia Smith, Lotte Wubben Moy, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Frida Maanum have impaired Arsenal’s start to the season. Still, two wins in their last two games against Brighton and Benfica showed improvement, meaning this was always going to be a tough task for the win-shy hosts.

The first half of the match was almost entirely commanded by Arsenal. An early goal from Russo put the Gunners ahead in the 7th minute, with her third WSL goal of the season coming from close quarters.

Leicester City had to work hard defensively with play predominantly taking place in their defensive half. Frustration amongst the team was evident, particularly with goalkeeper Janina Leitzig, who managed to block several attempts at goal from Russo, Beth Mead and Blackstenius. However, Leitzig’s efforts were not enough to stop Arsenal from extending their lead in the first half.

An own-goal from Kees gave Arsenal a 2-0 lead. She attempted to block a strike from Russo, but nudged the ball straight to the bottom corner of the goal instead. Her own-goal only added to Leicester’s growing exasperation. A first-half centred in Leicester’s defensive half left their defence exhausted, and this was exploited by Arsenal, who gained attempt after attempt throughout.

Blackstenius finally ended her five-game goalless streak towards the end of the first half after she latched onto a ball from Mead before dispatching her strike past Leitzig, sending Arsenal three to the good before the half-time whistle.

Leicester City came into the second half a much stronger team, defending much better and being able to move play further up the pitch. However, Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers was able to adapt, making changes to challenge Leicester’s defence further. Chloe Kelly came on to replace Caitlin Foord, giving Arsenal fresh legs in attack.

A comeback in the second half looked palpable for Leicester as they created multiple chances at goal. In the 68th minute, substitute Rosella Ayane managed to find a weak spot in Arsenal’s defence with a right-footed shot from just outside the box. Thought it was blocked, it gave Leicester a much-needed confidence boost.

Leicester’s luck finally changed late in the match as they managed to score in the 83rd minute. Emily van Egmond assisted Mouchon, who struck a right-footed shot from the centre of the box straight into the bottom corner.

Less than 60 seconds later, though, Blackstenius scored her second goal of the match, giving Arsenal their fourth. Assisted by Kelly, the Swede launched a powerful shot past Leitzig again.

Arsenal will be much happier with their current form after today’s match. A slow start to the WSL has left them at fifth in the table but today’s match proved they are willing to adapt in order to improve their ranking. Arsenal will face league-leaders Chelsea next week in the Emirates Stadium in what is bound to be a challenge, but with their current form the Gunners will hope they’re able to put up a good fight against the reigning WSL champions.

Leicester City will undoubtedly be disappointed in how they played today, especially with the game played at home, but their ability to bounce back in the second half was commendable. Next week, they face 12th place West Ham: the perfect chance to get more points on the board and build some confidence.

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