Over 20 thousand fans enjoyed Arsenal Women’s best performance of the season so far on Friday evening, as the Gunners beat Brighton and Hove Albion 5-0 at Emirates Stadium.

Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord and Frida Maanum found the net in the first half before a Maisie Symonds own goal and Alessia Russo penalty sealed Renee Slegers’ biggest win as interim head coach.

Full time: Arsenal Women 5-0 BrightonArsenal's best performance of the season and a triumphant night for interim manager Renee Slegers at Emirates StadiumFrida Maanum's stunning goal the highlight, with all four of Arsenal's starting attackers scoring! pic.twitter.com/lFhdCooMP3

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) November 8, 2024

Player ratings:

Manu Zinsberger 7.5/10

Replaced Daphne van Domselaar between the sticks but did not face a shot on goal until the 65th minute, saving well from Kiko Seike.

Katie McCabe 8/10

Excellent on the left side, delivering crosses and taking the game to Brighton. Moved to right-back when Emily Fox was replaced. Her corner led to Arsenal’s fourth goal.

Steph Catley 7.5/10

A third consecutive start at centre-back, with Renee Slegers seeing Catley as a left-footed option in the centre of defence.

Leah Williamson 7.5/10

Mopped up any danger at the back. Good to see the vice-captain animated in Arsenal’s huddle at the start of the second half, surely telling her side to avoid any complacency.

Emily Fox 7.5/10

Able to hurt Brighton with her rapid acceleration in attack, and even afforded some much-needed minutes on the bench in the second half with the job done for Arsenal.

Lia Walti 7.5/10

Found space in and around the penalty area and used it well.

Kim Little 7/10

Assisted Caitlin Foord’s goal with a well-weighted cross and was replaced ten minutes into the second half for a deserved rest.

Caitlin Foord 8/10

A neat close-range finish to double Arsenal’s lead before hitting the post from range. Could have scored in the second half but her effort was somehow blocked on the goal line.

Frida Maanum 8.5/10

Picked out Beth Mead with a superb pass into the penalty area to assist her opener. A stunning strike from the left corner of the box for Arsenal’s third, finding the top corner of Sophie Baggaley’s goal.

Beth Mead 8.5/10

Came in for the unavailable Mariona Caldentey and was Arsenal’s most lively figure in the first half. Cut inside past Poppy Pattinson and curled a left-footed shot in off the post in the 13th minute. Very nearly found the top corner with a free-kick but was well denied by Baggaley on the stroke of half time.

Alessia Russo 8/10

Watched everyone else in Arsenal’s frontline find the net and played her part in the Gunners’ dominant first half. Dropped into the number ten role in the second half and dispatched a penalty in injury time. 

Kyra Cooney-Cross (Sub, 56’) 7/10

Replaced Little in centre midfield.

Laia Codina (Sub, 56’) 7.5/10

Little defending to do for the Spain international until a top-class late tackle on Aisha Masaka.

Stina Blackstenius (Sub, 56’) 7.5/10

Led the line after coming on for Maanum and was very lively.

Lina Hurtig (Sub, 72’) 7.5/10

Flicked on McCabe’s corner, which found the net via touches from Baggaley and Maisie Symonds, going down as an own goal.

Rosa Kafaji (Sub, 79’)

Subs not used: Daphne van Domselaar, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Katie Reid, Kathrine Kuhl.

An enjoyable evening's work here at The Arsenal Shot by Suzy Lycett @boodlepim for the @GoonerFanzine here at the Emirates pic.twitter.com/SexLCXPXlN

— Layth (@laythy29) November 8, 2024