Brighton & Hove Albion 0-3 Arsenal: Gunners extend winning run in Women’s Super League

Second-placed Arsenal secured a fifth consecutive Women’s Super League win as strikes from Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord and Frida Maanum gave them victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Broadfield Stadium.

Beth Mead made her first start for Arsenal since returning from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury which sidelined the England forward for 11 months before her return as a substitute in October.

Brighton, who won at title hopefuls Manchester City a week earlier, came close to equalising when Manuela Zinsberger pushed Elisabeth Terland’s strike away when the forward was released by Guro Bergsvand’s through ball.

Alessia Russo produced a timely challenge to prevent Terland from profiting in front of goal after Maria Thorisdottir ventured forward and attempted to feed the Norway striker during the second half, with Bergsvand heading the ensuing corner over the crossbar.

Russo was inches from doubling Arsenal’s lead when the summer signing failed to cleanly connect with Victoria Pelova’s cross shortly before Foord’s classy finish.

Russo’s cross set up Cloe Lacasse to provide fellow substitute Maanum with the chance to slot in, as Arsenal ensured they have won all six of their WSL matches against Brighton without conceding a goal.

The hard-fought victory moves Arsenal three points behind leaders Chelsea and four clear of Manchester United, who visit Manchester City later on Sunday, while Albion remain eighth.

Brighton return to Broadfield Stadium when they host West Ham in the FA Cup on Wednesday, before Arsenal travel to Southampton in the competition the following night.