Arsenal Women moved up to third in the Women’s Super League table with a comfortable 4-0 win over Aston Villa. Alessia Russo put Arsenal in front with a glanced header and completed her brace in injury time, either side of goals from Beth Mead and substitute Stina Blackstenius.

Player ratings:

Daphne van Domselaar 7.5/10

Came up against the club she joined Arsenal from in the summer but was called into action very rarely, keeping yet another clean sheet.

Katie McCabe 8/10

Moved to right-back in the second half and offered plenty of energy going forward. A delightful cross for Blackstenius’ goal, dinking the ball in behind from the right wing.

Steph Catley 7.5/10

Good on the ball, and made a superb late recovery tackle on Chasity Grant in the second half.

Leah Williamson 8/10

Skippered the Gunners in the absence of Kim Little, leading Arsenal to three consecutive WSL clean sheets for the first time since October 2022.

Emily Fox 7/10

Duelled with Kirsty Hanson and got the better of the Villa winger. Replaced at half-time after another busy international break.

Kyra Cooney-Cross 8.5/10

A rare start under Renee Slegers handed the Australian international an opportunity in the absence of Lia Walti and Kim Little, and she took it with both hands. Assisted Russo’s goal with a pinpoint free-kick and her set-pieces were a threat throughout.

Mariona Caldentey 8/10

Started alongside Cooney-Cross in the midfield double-pivot but often pushed up to join Maanum, with Arsenal sometimes going forward with two number tens. Effective on the ball with one-touch passes springing attacks into life.

Caitlin Foord 7.5/10

Involved in the build-up for Mead’s goal and was neat and tidy on the left wing.

Frida Maanum 7.5/10

Found plenty of space in between the lines and provided plenty of creativity. Replaced after an hour.

Beth Mead 8/10

A tap-in for Arsenal’s second goal after Maanum’s shot came back off the post. Found joy taking on defenders and is clearly enjoying her football under Renee Slegers.

Alessia Russo 8.5/10

Glanced a header past Sabrina D’Angelo to put Arsenal in front, before winning the ball in the penalty area and finding the tip corner on her left foot in stoppage time. Five goals in four WSL games now.

Lotte Wubben-Moy (Sub, half-time) 7.5/10

Partnered Williamson in the centre of defence and kept a close eye on Rachel Daly. Some important blocks and tackles.

Stina Blacksteius (Sub, 60’) 7.5/10

Excellent run in behind to beat the offside trap and finish past D’Angelo for Arsenal’s third goal. Should have completed her brace late on but missed the target one-on-one with D’Angelo.

Laura Wienroither (Sub, 75’)

Lina Hurtig (Sub, 75’)

Kathrine Kuhl (Sub, 84’)

Subs not used: Manu Zinsberger, Laia Codina, Rosa Kafaji, Freya Godfrey.