A merciless display against Leicester City this evening will provide some well-earned confidence going into Saturday’s second-leg semi-final against Lyon, but how did everyone play?
Sarina Salamon gives her thoughts below…
Player ratings:
Daphne Van Domselaar 7/10
Great blocks when they occurred, but perhaps not a huge amount for van Domselaar to get her teeth into this evening with a particularly ruthless performance from the Gunners.
Emily Fox 7.5/10
Pacy as always, Fox was on from the get go. A chance on goal that didn’t connect but otherwise a good run for the first half.
Laia Codina 8/10
A clean sheet for Codina this evening. With plenty of play creation helping out Mariona for the sixth goal at the start of the second half. A good battle with Mouchon to prevent any goals for Leicester.
Kim Little 8/10
Little was sturdy and on pace as ever throughout the first half before being subbed at half time.
Katie McCabe 8/10
A straightforward match for McCabe this evening, with a few defensive scraps and did well out of position at centre-back.
Olivia Smith 8/10
Despite being on the end of some hard hitting fouls, Smith was quick as ever and dominant around the penalty box.
Frida L. Maanum 9/10
Marking her 100th appearance in Women’s Super League, Maanum was in great form this evening, finding a goal in the first half and creating plenty of opportunities throughout.
Victoria Pelova 7/10
Pelova had two shots and a nice link up with Mariona Caldentey, but ultimately couldn’t find the momentum to make her chances connect.
Taylor Hinds 7/10
A slower start but Hinds showed greater aggression past 45 minutes, with a few sprints down the wing to return the ball to the Gunners possession.
Stina Blackstenius 9/10
A masterclass by Blackstenius this evening with two back to back goals just before half time, including the 100th goal under Renee Slegers.
Smilla Holmberg 9/10
Speedy on the wing with only the smallest of defensive action from Ashleigh Neville to get in her way. Holmberg was looking strong and came out firing scoring her first and second goals in an Arsenal shirt.
Substitutes
Alessia Russo (Sub, half time)
Though the game had essentially wrapped at half time, Russo came on with some typically relentless play keeping Arsenal firmly on top.
Mariona Caldentey (Sub, half time)
Caldentey left no time to waste, scoring a fifth goal within minutes coming on in the second half.
Caitlin Foord (Sub, 52’)
Scorching speed from Foord this evening, working particularly well with Russo and creating a number of close calls for Leicester City.
Leah Williamson (Sub, 52’)
Came on and made an immediate impact, smashing home a header from Holmberg’s corner to score her first WSL goal of the season.
Sophie Harwood (Sub, 80’)
Subs not used:
Barbora Votikova, Anneke Borbe, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Mia Dixon