Renee Slegers kicked off her tenure as Arsenal Women head coach with a 5-0 win over bottom side Crystal Palace in the WSL.

Leah Williamson opened the scoring for the Gunners before her England teammates Alessia Russo and Beth Mead took the game away from Palace in the second half. 

Mariona Caldentey then struck from the penalty spot after substitute Caitlin Foord was brought down, with the visitors’ stubborn defence undone. The Spaniard netted again deep into stoppage time after Russo hit the post.

Player ratings:

Daphne van Domselaar 7/10

A simple stop to deny Millie Gelj in the first half. Five WSL clean sheets in a row now.

Katie McCabe 7.5/10

Has started every single game in league and cup for Arsenal this season, the only player to do so. Assisted Williamson’s opener with a well-placed corner.

Steph Catley 7.5/10

Continued alongside Williamson at centre-back and helped the Gunners keep yet another clean sheet.

Leah Williamson 8/10

Scored Arsenal’s first goal of 2025, turning home McCabe’s corner past Shae Yanez. “Set piece again ole ole” sang the home fans.

Emily Fox 7.5/10

Caused the Palace defence problems and got up and down the right side.

Kyra Cooney-Cross 7.5/10

Played a deeper role than Kim Little in a compact midfield and was good on the ball, keeping things simple.

Kim Little 7.5/10

Linked midfield and attack seamlessly in an impressive display from the experienced skipper.

Mariona Caldentey 8/10

Reads the game impeccably with a strong range of passing. Moved into the number ten role when Foord came on and kept her composure from the penalty spot to find the bottom corner, putting memories of her miss against Liverpool last time out firmly to bed. Netted again in added time to seal a brace.

Frida Maanum 7/10

Very lively in attacking midfield, coming close to netting Arsenal’s second after she brought the ball down well inside the box. Replaced before the hour mark.

Beth Mead 7.5/10

Looked to deliver early crosses and create chances. A calm and composed finish for Arsenal’s third, linking up with Russo.

Alessia Russo 8/10

Constantly running in behind, coming close with a couple of half-chances before lifting a rebound into the roof of the net for her seventh goal in as many WSL games. Assisted Mead’s goal after again making a clever run through the Palace defence.

Caitlin Foord (Sub, 57’) 8/10

Great work to cut inside and draw a save from Yanez in the lead up to Russo’s goal, making an immediate impact. Brought down by Annabel Blanchard to win the penalty for Arsenal’s fourth.

Rosa Kafaji (Sub, 72’)

Lia Walti (Sub, 72’)

Katie Reid (Sub, 82’)

Subs not used: Manu Zinsberger, Naomi Williams, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina, Laura Wienroither.