Arsenal Women beat Crystal Palace 4-0 to take home three points from south-west London. Strikes from Beth Mead and Alessia Russo, along with an Allyson Swaby own goal were the difference today.

A sunny Sunday afternoon saw travelling Gooners turn up in their numbers to support the team as they sealed a 4-0 win over bottom side Palace.

Strong defensive efforts from the home side, saw them neutralise the Gunners’ early waves of attack by sitting tightly in their box and playing with physicality. However, Arsenal managed to wear them down, with Kelly playing in a 14th minute cross which found Beth Mead. 

Mead’s powerful volley sent the Gunners 1-0 up, and this was followed by some smooth link up play between Mariona Caldentey and prolific goal scorer Alessia Russo, who found the back of the net, doubling the Arsenal lead.

The first half ended 2-0 to Arsenal, but the home side did not make it simple in the second half, with strong challenges and blocks which stopped the Gunners from playing their free-flowing possession football. 

Relentless waves of attack saw no joy, until Kelly cruised past the defence into the box, leading to an own goal by the Palace captain, Allyson Swaby, making it 3-0.

A long-range cross from Mead found the back of the net in injury time, giving the Gunners another 4-0 lead and sealing the victory.

Renée Slegers made all five of her substitutions with appearances from Kim Little, Victoria Pelova, Rosa Kafaji, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katie Reid off the bench. 

This afternoon’s physical and contested match in the Sutton sun ended 4-0 to Arsenal, sending them back to North London with three points. 

Player ratings:

Daphne van Domselaar 7/10

Very quiet game for the goalkeeper today, with most of Palace’s shots going over the bar. Another clean sheet added to her tally. 

Emily Fox 8/10

Not surprised to see her playing again, could have been a good day for her to rest after an intense season, however, as always excellent work rate on the right, kept Palace’s attackers very quiet, such an asset to the team.

Leah Williamson 7.5/10

Reliable at the back as always, with calm control on the back passes. Couldn’t play many long balls out in the first half but played some good balls through the palace players and wasn’t afraid to be physical.

Steph Catley 8/10

Has grown into her position at centre-back really well, pairing up nicely with Williamson. Showed good leadership instructing her team during Palace’s set pieces.

Jenna Nighswonger 8/10

Great to see her get her first WSL start, put in a great slide tackle in Arsenal’s box to stop Palace’s attack. Seemed to find more confidence as the game progressed, put in a few nice crosses in the second half, has great pace on the ball.

Mariona Caldentey 7.5/10

Great interception which led to her assisting Russo’s goal. Drifted all over the pitch as usual, often making herself available for her teammates. Had a couple of shots on target, saved by the goalie. Subbed off in the second half.

Lia Wälti 7.5/10

Good control in the midfield, providing a good linkup outlet between the back and front lines. Subbed off in the second half. 

Beth Mead 8/10

Nice to see her back in the starting lineup. Her brilliantly aimed and powerful strike on the volley sent the Gunners 1-0 up, good to see her holding position well out wide and putting in some good crosses, one of which found the back of the net, scoring Arsenal’s fourth goal. 

Frida Maanum 7/10

Held the ball up well when she found herself ahead. Effective dragging of Palace defenders out of position to create space for Arsenal’s attack. Subbed off in the second half.

Chloe Kelly 8.5/10

Great pace down the left-hand side, with some really well aimed crosses, one of which led to Beth Mead’s goal. Fought for every ball and played with real passion, often finding herself on the right side of a 50/50 battle.

Alessia Russo 8/10

Russo’s goalscoring form continues, with a lovely finish sending the Gunners 2-0 up. Used her physicality well against Palace’s tenacious defenders.

Kim Little (Sub, ‘62) 7.5/10

Got involved straight away, with great control in the midfield, put in some physical challenges and showed tenacity when in possession. 

Victoria Pelova (Sub, ‘62) 7/10

Great to see her get more minutes since coming back from her ACL injury. Had some good moments on the ball and can see that she will be very valuable once fully fit again.

Rosa Kafaji (Sub, ‘80)

Kyra Cooney-Cross (Sub, ‘80)

Katie Reid (Sub, ‘83)

Subs not used: Manuela Zinsberger, Amanda Ilestedt, Caitlin Foord, Stina Blackstenius