WSL: Arsenal dominate Leicester City with three-goal first half | OneFootball

A dominant first half from Arsenal at the King Power Stadium put them 3-0 up against Leicester City in their latest Women’s Super League match. The Gunners put the game to bed in the second half with another goal, while the Foxes could only grab a consolation for their afternoon out.

With back-to-back WSL wins, we can say Arsenal are firmly back in their rhythm following a shaky spell before the international break. The victory came courtesy of a Stina Blackstenius double, as well as an effort from Alessia Russo, and an own goal from Sari Kees. The home side managed to pull one back via Noemie Mouchon, but the Gunners proved too strong to beat.

Starting XIs

Leicester City

Leitzig; Kees, Swaby, Thibaud, Ale, Tierney, McLoughlin, Cain, Rantala, Cayman, O’Brien

Arsenal

Van Domselaar; McCabe, Catley, Codina, Hinds, Little, Caldentey, Russo, Foord, Blackstenius, Mead

Early Arsenal pressure crack Leicester City

The theme of the first half was clear — efficient movement from the away side disrupted a normally compact Foxes backline. The European champions continued to find themselves in acres of space. Meanwhile, Leicester were wasteful in possession and allowed Arsenal to put them under unrelenting pressure.

The Gunners took the lead in just the seventh minute after a flurry of chances had fallen their way. Blackstenius’ mistimed touch fell straight into the path of Russo, whose right-footed effort powered into the bottom corner.

After a ball over the top caught out the Leicester backline, Russo fired a ball into the six-yard box. Belgian international Kees was unable to do much else but put the ball into the back of her own net. Unfortunate, but much deserved for Arsenal.

Adding a third just before half time, Blackstenius found herself on the scoresheet. After a wonderful piece of passing play, Mead’s first touch pass was easily slotted home by the striker.

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Leicester city managed to reduce their deficit in the 83rd minute. After a giveaway in midfield, Mouchon carried the ball from her own half and maintained composure to slot home past Daphne van Domselaar.

The joy was short lived for the Leicester faithful as moments after kick-off, Blackstenius bagged her second of the afternoon. A rocket of a strike proved impossible for Janina Leitzig as it powered into the roof of net.

Up next for Arsenal and Leicester City

Now five points behind WSL leaders Chelsea, Arsenal will hope to reduce the gap as they host the champions at the Emirates next. Meanwhile, Leicester will travel to struggling West Ham, who are without a point so far this season.

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