Blackstenius hat-trick! 4-0 pic.twitter.com/LhUjfeyXpz
— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) March 6, 2024
Player ratings:
Manu Zinsberger 7.5/10
Back to back clean sheets for the Arsenal shot-stopper, who faced one shot on target- an easy save from Jordan Nobbs.
Steph Catley 7.5/10
A crucial part of this Arsenal side with Katie McCabe playing every game at right-back in the absence of Emily Fox and Laura Wienroither. Kept Alisha Lehmann very quiet, leading to her substitution at half time.
Lotte Wubben-Moy 8/10
Strong in the air to nullify Aston Villa’s aerial threat, and headed Mead’s free-kick back to Blackstenius for her hat-trick goal. No attacker can get past her in her current form!
Leah Williamson 7.5/10
Patrolled the backline, helping Wubben-Moy nullify Rachel Daly. Replaced by Laia Codina midway through the second half.
Katie McCabe 7/10
Hit the crossbar with a fierce free-kick. Struggled at times against substitute Ebony Salmon, whose pace caused problems.
Lia Walti 8/10
Made her 150th appearance for Arsenal and marked the milestone with a trademark midfield display.
Kyra Cooney-Cross 7.5/10
Controlled the game from deep, allowing Maanum to push forward with great effect.
Frida Maanum 8.5/10
The goal of the night, a piledriver from the edge of the box hat swerved past Leat into the bottom corner. A pinpoint, well-weighted through ball to assist Blackstenius’ opening goal.
Alessia Russo 7/10
Missed a good opportunity in the first minute when she couldn’t turn in a close-range chance. Played on the left wing with Blackstenius upfront, and assisted her second goal.
Beth Mead 8/10
Relentless on the right, crossing for Blackstenius’ second goal and constantly looking to make her mark.
Stina Blackstenius 9.5/10
Scored a quick-fire brace to put Arsenal in firm control early on. The first run and finish was superb, the second was a case of right, place, right time. Then completed her hat-trick before half-time with a well executed header.
Laia Codina (Sub, 64’) 7/10
Partnered Wubben-Moy at centre-back, coming on for Williamson.
Caitlin Foord (Sub, 64’) 7/10
Replaced Beth Mead on the right wing and injected some real pace into Arsenal’s attacking play.
Kim Little (Sub, 81’)
Victoria Pelova (Sub, 81’)
Vivienne Lia (Sub, 90’)
Subs not used: Naomi WIlliams, Sarah Bouhaddi, Maddy Earl.