Player ratings:

Manu Zinsberger 7/10

Spent a lot of the game simply trying to keep warm, but was always alert when called into action. Rarely put a foot wrong playing out from the back.

Laura Wienroither 6.5/10

Not massively challenged by Liverpool’s attackers but closed the ball down well and won most of her duels.

Leah Williamson 7.5/10

Such an important part of Arsenal’s effectiveness playing out from the back. Liverpool seemed to not know when to press or refrain from closing down the defence. Replaced by Wubben-Moy after the hour mark.

Rafaelle Souza 6.5/10

Consistently strong in the tackle, probably Arsenal’s best player in the air too.

Katie McCabe 7/10

Somehow warmed up in short sleeves with the temperature hovering above freezing at a snowy Meadow Park. Angered by a late tackle by Missy-Bo Kearns in the opening exchanges, with the two doing battle throughout.

Lia Walti 7.5/10

Always ready to pounce whenever Liverpool lost possession, an important display in defensive midfield.

Kim Little 7/10

Controlled all aspects of the midfield in Sunday’s cup final win. Escapes with the ball at her feet from some almost impossible situations, so good in tight spaces.

Frida Maanum 7.5/10

On corner duties in the absence of Steph Catley. Seems to glide past players like they aren’t there- uses her body so well to take the ball away from opponents.

Victoria Pelova 7/10

Started on the right wing, linking up well with Maanum- certainly seems to have adjusted well to playing in this Arsenal side after arriving from Ajax in January. Dropped into midfield when Kuhl came on so the nineteen year old could play out wide.

Caitlin Foord 6.5/10

Marshalled well by former Brighton right back Emma Koivisto, and was forced to play in a more central role at times. Was alert to get her head to the rebound after Laws saved from Blackstenius to double Arsenal’s lead.

Stina Blackstenius 7.5/10

Should have at least hit the target curling a shot past Laws in the eleventh minute after heading over the crossbar from a corner. Gave Arsenal the lead with a fine turn and finish,  a lovely strike. The supply lines to her in the second half were largely cut off by the Liverpool defence.

Kathrine Kuhl (Sub, 61’) 6/10

Showed her skill and close control on the ball but didn’t see enough of it to really be effective against a resilient Liverpool side in the second half.

Lotte Wubben-Moy (Sub, 61’) 6/10

May well have given away a penalty if the offside flag wasn’t up against Yana Daniels, who was just clipped by Wubben-Moy in the area.

Gio Queiroz (Sub, 70’) 5.5/10

The Brazilian has plenty of raw talent but will likely be used in cameos like this one for the rest of the season. Booked for a crunching tackle on goalkeeper Rachael Laws, and then fired a wild effort over the bar from close range.

Noelle Maritz (Sub, 70’) 6/10

Took a while to look settled after coming on as a straight swap for Wienroither.

Jen Beattie (Sub, 83’)

Subs not used: Kaylan Marckese.