Arsenal’s Swedes leave them in 7th heaven | OneFootball

Holmberg scored her first Arsenal goals and added an assist, while Blackstenius also struck twice as Leicester were swept aside at the Emirates.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Smilla Holmberg scored her first Arsenal goals and Stina Blackstenius struck twice as the club’s Swedish contingent helped their side to a 7-0 win over Leicester City in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

It was a night that saw a ruthless Arsenal demonstrate the depth available to Renée Slegers, with Holmberg deployed higher on the right wing rather than in her usual right-back role.

The decision was rewarded with two goals and an assist, while Blackstenius added two of her own as Arsenal moved into third place, two points ahead of Manchester United and eight behind leaders Manchester City, having played two games fewer.

Holmberg’s first goal came from the kind of run that reflected Arsenal’s control of the match. Frida Maanum spotted the space Leicester had left on the right, played the pass, and Holmberg drove into the area before finishing confidently into the far corner for 2-0.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

It was her first goal for Arsenal since joining the club last winter and a moment she had clearly been waiting for.

“It was very fun and it’s always fun to play at Emirates and with this team,” she said after the game. “It was a special night and it was very fun.

“I think it’s pretty similar to the role I’ve played before here. I like to be involved in the offensive part as well so I just try to control my qualities and enjoy the game today.”

Holmberg was involved again after the interval, turning in a cross from Olivia Smith for her second goal before supplying the corner from which Leah Williamson headed in Arsenal’s seventh.

For a player more often associated with the defensive side of the game, it was an emphatic attacking contribution, and one that gave Arsenal’s right side a constant outlet.

“I worked really hard and it’s just a great feeling to score my first goal at this special club,” Smilla reflected. “Again, I’m just so proud.

“I’ve dreamed of scoring my first goal here at Emirates so it was so fun and I really enjoyed it.”

Blackstenius ensured Holmberg was not the only Swede to take a prominent role in the rout. She headed in Arsenal’s third just before half-time, then added her second of the night in stoppage time as Leicester were overwhelmed.