Beth Mead scored her first WSL goal in 428 days to help Arsenal beat West Ham United at Meadow Park.
Frida Maanum gave Arsenal the lead in just the second minute before Mead netted a brace.
West Ham hit the post twice through Vivienne Asseyi, but Arsenal held on for a second league clean sheet of the season.
Player ratings:
Manu Zinsberger 7.5/10
Watched two shots come back off the post, and made some routine stops. Celebrated a late save from Atkinson, enjoying consecutive clean sheets.
Steph Catley 7.5/10
Always dangerous when partnering with Caitlin Foord on the left side. Her usual reliable self in defence.
Lotte Wubben-Moy 8/10
Composed at the back, driving forward over the halfway line in one instance to pick out Alessia Russo. Another strong showing from the centre-back, who took the captain’s armband when McCabe was withdrawn.
Amanda Ilestedt 7/10
Almost played a role in West Ham pulling a goal back when her flick from Asseyi’s shot came back off the post. A couple of nervy moments at the back.
Katie McCabe 7/10
The versatile left-sided player started at right-back and patrolled the touchline.
Victoria Pelova 7.5/10
Continued her fine partnership with Cooney-Cross, whilst the experienced duo of Kim Little and Lia Walti watched on from the bench, along with the prodigious talent Kathrine Kuhl. Arsenal’s midfield looks like it is in very capable hands.
Kyra Cooney-Cross 8.5/10
Enjoyed her third consecutive WSL start after breaking into the team. Tackled well and was efficient on the ball again. Assisted Mead’s goal with a good floated pass over the top.
Frida Maanum 8.5/10
Gave Arsenal the lead with an audacious finish that found the top corner. Found plenty of space in the pockets in and around the box in her strongest display so far the season.
Caitlin Foord 7.5/10
Able to get some shots away but couldn’t find a way past Walsh. Caused issues for Lisa Evans when Foord drove at the makeshift wing-back.
Alessia Russo 8/10
Dropped deep to dictate the play. Won the ball back up high, got to the byline and squared to Mead to set up Arsenal’s third- continues to prove she is so much more than a goalscorer.
Beth Mead 8.5/10
Returned to Sarina Wiegman’s England squad in the week. Scored her first goal in over a year to net Arsenal’s second, bending the ball into the corner. Kept her composure to complete her brace from close range late on in the first half. Has been growing in confidence in every game since her return and this was her moment to shine.
We knew it was coming today @bmeado9 ?? June would of enjoyed that one xxx https://t.co/KMJqbLFF5d
— Leah Williamson (@leahcwilliamson) November 26, 2023
Noelle Maritz (Sub, 64’) 6.5/10
On for McCabe as Arsenal changed up their right flank. A dependable player for Jonas Eidevall.
Cloe Lacasse (Sub, 64’) 6.5/10
Able to carry the ball forward with her pace to further take the game away from West Ham.
Lia Walti (Sub, 74’)
Kim Little (Sub, 83’)
Vivianne Miedema (Sub, 83’)
Subs not used: Sabrina D’Angelo, Jen Beattie, Laia Codina, Kathrine Kuhl.
Full time! Arsenal 3-0 West Ham. All of Arsenal's work was done in the first half, with Frida Maanum scoring early on before Beth Mead netted a brace, her first goals since returning from an ACL injury. Back to back league clean sheets for the Gunners too!https://t.co/QaxiW3Vavl
— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) November 26, 2023