The top scoring Arsenal player at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is not only yet to make her debut for the Gunners, but is also a defender. Amanda Ilestedt made it three headed goals in two games as she gave Sweden the lead in a 5-0 win over Italy in Group G, before scoring again in the second half.

Arsenal Women's #FIFAWWC goalscorers:3: @amandailestedt ??1: @stephcatley ??, @Katie_McCabe11 ??, @SBlackstenius ?????

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) July 29, 2023

In a tight first half, Ilestedt’s 39th minute header from one of many dangerous Swedish corners opened the floodgates, as Frida Rolfo and then Stina Blackstenius promptly made it 3-0 before the half time whistle blew.

Stina Blackstenius was in the right place at the right time to net Sweden’s third, getting to Kaneryd’s cross almost centimetres from goal to complete a simple finish. 

The former BK Hacken striker is now the fourth Arsenal player to score at this summer’s World Cup, and worked tirelessly upfront throughout as always. She was substituted in the final two minutes of normal time, with her replacement Rebecka Blomqvist netting Sweden’s fifth.

Ilestedt then completed her brace five minutes into the second half, meeting another corner with her head at the near post for her third goal of the tournament. The centre-back is already becoming a firm favourite with Arsenal fans for her goalscoring exploits Down Under.

Sweden’s third Arsenal player, Lina Hurtig, was an unused substitute for Peter Gerhardsson’s side, who moved three points clear of Italy at the top of Group G to qualify for the knockout stages.