Arsenal underlined their title credentials with a powerful second-half display to sweep aside West Ham 5-1 at Meadow Park and climb to the top of the Women’s Super League.
Goals from Frida Maanum, Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord and a late brace from Alessia Russo ensured the European champions made it two wins from two at the start of the new campaign.
The Gunners, who lifted the Champions League last season and are chasing a third straight WSL crown, had to dig deep after a nightmare start when goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar gifted the visitors the lead inside five minutes.
Alessia Russo struck twice as Arsenal followed up their opening-day win over London City
The Dutch international spilled Shekiera Martinez’s teasing cross onto the post, only to see the ball ricochet cruelly off her body and into the net.
It was a sloppy error that stunned the home crowd and offered West Ham the perfect platform.
But if the Hammers thought they might build momentum from such an early gift, Arsenal’s response quickly crushed that hope.
Arsenal Hit Back with Ruthless Precision
Midway through the first half, Arsenal restored parity through Frida Maanum, the Norwegian international, who had been lively in the opening exchanges, finished from close range after Beth Mead created the opening with typically intelligent play on the right.
It was already Mead’s third assist of the campaign, underlining her value as a supply line in the final third.
From there, Arsenal began to dominate possession and push the visitors deeper into their own half. Leah Williamson, captaining the side from central defence, marshalled the build-up play with authority while Kim Little and Ayaka Yamashita dictated tempo in midfield.
Still, it wasn’t until the interval that manager Renee Slegers decided to twist the knife, bringing on Stina Blackstenius for Maanum gave the Gunners a sharper focal point, and within minutes of the restart, the change paid off.
Blackstenius curled a superb left-footed strike into the bottom corner after Russo’s deft lay-off, sparking jubilant celebrations and putting Arsenal in front for the first time.
Foord Celebrates Milestone as Russo Takes Centre Stage
Arsenal’s relentless pressure showed no sign of easing, Caitlin Foord, making her 100th WSL appearance, marked the milestone in style by rising highest to head home from Mariona Caldentey’s corner, giving Arsenal breathing room at 3-1.
The Australian’s energy down the left flank, combined with Caldentey’s guile, repeatedly stretched West Ham’s defensive shape.
The visitors struggled to cope, with Ines Belloumou and Amber Keegan-Stobbs often forced into desperate challenges.
But the night belonged to Alessia Russo, the England forward, who had been a constant menace with her hold-up play and runs in behind, looked set to end the evening without reward, she had already seen one effort chalked off for offside and gone close on several occasions.
Then, in the closing stages, she erupted; first, Russo produced a thunderous right-footed strike from the edge of the box that flew into the top corner, showcasing her clinical finishing ability.
Minutes later, she doubled her tally from the penalty spot after substitute Olivia Smith was bundled over in stoppage time, Russo calmly dispatched the spot-kick, completing the rout and sealing a memorable brace.
Analysis: Arsenal’s Attack in Full Flow, But Defensive Lessons Remain
Arsenal’s start to the season could hardly be more impressive: two wins, nine goals scored, and only two conceded.
Yet there remains a nagging issue — for the second consecutive week, they fell behind early, against stronger opposition, such lapses could prove costly.
That said, Arsenal’s attacking options are frightening, Russo, Blackstenius, Foord, Maanum and Mead all look sharp, and with Caldentey settling in quickly, Slegers has an enviable array of weapons at her disposal.
The variety of their goals — from set pieces, open play, long-range strikes and penalties — highlighted their adaptability in attack.
West Ham, by contrast, will be bitterly disappointed, having been gifted a dream start, they failed to build on it.
Once Arsenal equalised, the Hammers lacked conviction and rarely threatened Van Domselaar again. Their defensive organisation crumbled under sustained pressure, and their midfield struggled to contain the fluid movement of Arsenal’s front line.
The Bigger Picture
For Arsenal, this result keeps momentum rolling in what could be a pivotal season as they juggle domestic and European commitments.
Slegers will take satisfaction from the way her side responded to adversity, but also recognise the need to cut out avoidable errors.
Russo’s brace will grab headlines, but equally impressive were Mead’s creativity, Foord’s leadership on her century appearance, and the instant impact of Blackstenius. With so many in-form options, Arsenal already look like the team to beat.
West Ham, meanwhile, face an uphill task to climb the table if they cannot tighten up defensively, their inability to capitalise on an early lead exposed frailties that top sides will continue to punish.
As for Arsenal, two games in and they already sit top of the WSL, if their defensive kinks are ironed out, this could be another season of dominance for the Gunners.