Brighton & Hove Albion Women 0-3 Arsenal Women
Stina Blackstenius notched a brace as Jonas Eidevall's Gunners beat Brighton convincingly to end the weekend five points clear at the top of the Women's Super League.
The Sweden attacker put Arsenal ahead on 27 minutes, slotting home from Caitlin Foord's cross.
Beth Mead doubled the visitors' advantage seven minutes later before Blackstenius scored her second to seal an important victory.
Read the Gooner Fanzine's Player Ratings:
Manu Zinsberger 7.5/10
Only called into action once in the first half, enjoyed a very quiet night with another clean sheet
Noelle Maritz 7.5/10
Bombed forward when the time was right, another consistent performance
Leah Williamson 7/10
Booked for handball in the early stages and had fairly little defending to do
Lotte Wubben-Moy 6.5/10
Returned from injury to replace Rafaelle Souza and will have to play very well to keep her place in the side. The only member of the Arsenal backline who gave the ball away at times, was eventually replaced by Jean Beattie
Steph Catley 7/10
Came very close to scoring on the stroke of half time when her header hit the crossbar, good set-pieces too
Lia Walti 8/10
Provided some excellent forward passes from midfield to catch out the Brighton defence, arguably afforded way too much time on the ball by the home side.
Kim Little (C) 8/10
Continues to play a vital role in a new-look Arsenal midfield alongside Walti, made some important defensive interventions tonight.
Vivianne Miedema 8.5/10
Played in the number 10 role once again. Eidevall certainly deserves credit for this tactical switch which has brought instant success. Her assist for Blackstenius’ second goal was simply superb, and despite missing home good chances this was one of her best performances of the season so far.
Beth Mead 7.5/10
Fired a shot wide after 25 minutes before scoring her 9th goal of the season after great work from Miedema. Has now scored 4 goals in 3 games against Brighton this season.
Stina Blackstenius 9/10
Praised by Jonas Eidevall after Arsenal’s recent win over Birmingham for her work without the ball in order to create space for Miedma. Scored Arsenal’s opener and then made it 3-0 with a glancing header, proving just how quickly she has adjusted to English football after signing in January.
Caitlin Foord 8/10
Used her pace on the wing and assisted Blackstenius’ first goal with a perfect set-up.
Katie McCabe (Sub, 70’) 7/10
A rare night on the bench came to an end with 20 minutes to go, actually played upfront for a spell after Blackstenius was substituted- pressed really well.
Laura Wienroither (Sub, 70’) 6.5/10
Replaced Noelle Maritz at right-back and closed out the game to good effect.
Jordan Nobbs (Sub, 78’) 6.5/10
Provided fresh legs and experience in the Arsenal midfield from the bench.
Nikita Parris (Sub, 78’) 6/10
Missed a golden opportunity to score her first goal for the Gunners!
Jen Beattie (Sub, 87’)
Subs not used: Lydia Williams, Simone Boye Sorensen, Frida Maanum, Mana Iwabuchi
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Read Art De Roche and Fredie Cardy on Arsenal Women in the new Gooner Fanzine
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