Caldentey nets stunner as Arsenal sweep Liverpool aside

Mariona Caldentey scored a goal of the season contender as her stunning strike helped secure a 4-0 win for Arsenal against Liverpool in the WSL.

It was the pick of the goals in a slick, entertaining display as the Gunners looked to heal some wounds after defeat to Real Madrid in midweek, as well as an FA Cup exit to the Reds just under two weeks ago.

And while Arsenal turned on the charm in front of the Emirates crowd, Liverpool for their part looked far and away from a team chasing their own fourth successive win under interim boss Amber Whiteley.

The opening 28 minutes were peppered with Gunners chances, including Frida Maanum hitting the post. It was Caitlin Foord who finally made the deserved breakthrough, slotting home from a bobbling Arsenal corner.

A minute later, and Liverpool defender Jasmine Matthews scored the first of two unfortunate own goals. She made the last touch as Foord looked to turn Kim Little’s cutback home.

But it was Caldentey’s goal that was the standout, coming after Maanum had again rattled the woodwork. She was found in space in the box, shifting the ball onto her left foot before curling a stunning effort into the top corner.

The second half was less of a gung-ho approach from Arsenal – their Champions League home leg on Wednesday surely on the mind with a 3-0 half-time lead – but Matthews added a fourth when she toe-poked Beth Mead’s cross into her own net.

The victory keeps Arsenal in the chase for a top three finish and boosts morale ahead of important midweek fixture. They have closed the gap on Chelsea at the top of the table to five points and three ahead of Man Utd in third place, with both playing on Sunday.

Story of the match in stats

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