Arsenal 5 – 0 Crystal Palace
by Layth Yousif 
at Meadow Park

THREE of England’s European Championship winners were on the scoresheet for imperious Arsenal Women as they swept aside Crystal Palace in a 5-0 victory.

An early goal by Lionesses captain Leah Williamson was followed by three in 12 second-half minutes, that saw Alessia Russo and Beth Mead strike, prior to Spanish World Cup winner Mariona Caldentey grabbing a late brace, including a coolly taken penalty, and a fine shot to put the seal on proceedings.

The WSL returned with a vengeance for Arsenal Women as the rampant Gunners routed Crystal Palace on a bitterly cold afternoon at a sold-out Meadow Park in front of 3,576 fans.

The Gunners were buoyant after Friday’s news that Renee Slegers had been made the club’s permanent head coach, following an excellent run of 10 wins from 11 matches before the winter break.

The popular Slegers’ had steadied the ship after the departure of the unpopular, and underwhelming, Jonas Eidevall, with the former Netherlands’ international aiming to land silverware in 2025.

The prospect of the Gunners joining the WSL title race was certainly boosted when Williamson fired home through a crowded box to make it 1-0 after seven minutes.

Despite Arsenal dominating, battling basement club Palace had a couple of half chances of their own.

Firstly when Mille Gejl tested Gunners keeper Daphne Van Domselaar on 21 minutes, prior to My Cato snatching at a chance following an excellent through ball from Katie Stengel, that saw Cato steer the ball past the far post when well-placed. That was before Arsenal striker Frida Maanum in a central position lifted the ball over Eagles keeper Shae Yanez, and, unfortunately for home hopes, the bar as well.

However, Slegers’ side’s complete dominance told on 63 minutes, when Russo lifted the ball high into the net to make it 2-0, following Caitlin Foord’s shot that was scrambled away, as Meadow Park erupted.

There was more delight to come when Beth Mead netted to make it 3-0, as the Gunners made it two goals in four minutes in the 67th minute.  

Slegers’ impressive side made it three in 12 second-half minutes when Caldentey slotted home from the spot to make it 4-0 on 75 minutes, following Foord felled by Palace’s Annabel Blanchard in the box, with the talented Spaniard grabbing her second of the match in the closing stages, as the Gunners made it five.