A Tuesday night WSL kick off meant an emptier-than-usual Emirates Stadium, but this did not affect the Gunners.

Early goals from Caitlin Foord and Stina Blackstenius, after excellent play down the right wing, and pinpoint crosses from Frida Maanum and Beth Mead sent Arsenal 2-0 up despite Leicester’s best defensive efforts.

Further goals from Foord (again) and Mead made it 4-0, before Leicester managed to get one back when Yuka Momoki took a shot from range and found the back of the net.

Victoria Pelova’s powerful strike made it 5-1, her first goal back since her ACL injury, a big moment for the Dutch midfielder.

Renée Slegers made all five of her substitutions meaning Amanda Ilestedt, Katie Reid and Kyra Cooney-Cross got some minutes, as well as half time substitutions Lia Wälti and Victoria Pelova.

The game ended 5-1 to Arsenal, a strong performance to take into Saturday’s game.

Player Ratings:

Manuela Zinsberger 6/10

A quiet game today, with very few shots on target from the Foxes. However, a strike from Momiki, from range saw Zinsberger at a standstill, conceding the goal.

Emily Fox 8/10

Won lots of 50/50s due to her incredible pace when going back to defend a Leicester attack.

Leah Williamson 8/10

Played a deep role in the first half, holding the central defence well and passing out from the back. A signature long ball over to Beth Mead was the start of the build-up for Blackstenius’ goal.

Steph Catley 8/10

Great centre back partnership with Williamson, covering each other when needed. Put in a few key tackles to stop the Leicester Forwards. Solid performance.

Katie McCabe 7.5/10

A tenacious and high-work-rate performance today, often winning duals and stopping Leicester’s efforts. Her effective corner deliveries were unlucky to not lead to goals.

Kim Little 7.5/10

Worked well with Mariona in the midfield, a great run through the box with the ball, and a cross

Mariona Caldentey 8/10

Strong link up play with the backline, often being used as an outlet when playing out from the back. Seemed to be everywhere on the pitch at once, showing her versatility.

Beth Mead 8/10

Her well-timed run, and pinpoint cross led to Blackstenius’ goal. Good physicality and pace down the right wing. Her powerful header gave the Gunners their fourth.

Frida Maanum 7/10

Her fantastic ball across to Foord resulted in the first goal, a few questionable challenges saw her be shown a yellow card. But she seemed to play a versatile role this evening before being subbed off at half time.

Caitlin Foord 8/10

A well-timed run saw her slot home Arsenal’s opening goal, the link up with Maanum looking like it was straight off the training ground. She doubled her total with a powerful strike from just inside the box. Replaced by Lia Wälti at half time.

Stina Blackstenius 6.5/10

A stunning finish after getting on the end of Beth Mead’s cross sent the Gunners 2-0 up, a good confidence boost for today’s number 9. Had a few other attempts and managed to stay onside (most of the time), but was unable to be clinical enough to score again.

Lia Wälti (Sub – Half Time) 7/10

Great pivot between the back line and the forwards, looked confident on the ball, dealing with pressure effectively and calmly.

Victoria Pelova (Sub – Half Time) 8/10

The most minutes she’s played since returning from her ACL injury, which is a positive sign. Good link up with Mariona considering they have not had much game time together. A brilliant strike, her first back since injury gave Arsenal five.

Kyra Cooney-Cross (Sub 66’)

Katie Reid (Sub 66’)

Amanda Ilestedt (Sub 78’)

Subs not used:

Naomi Williams, Jenna Nighswonger, Rosa Kafaji