Jennifer Beattie, Steph Houghton and Ellen White were all on target as Arsenal started their Continental Cup defence with a win at Liverpool.

An even first half began with Liverpool in the ascendancy but the visitors gradually took over and opened up a two-goal lead before the break thanks to goals from the in-form Beattie and Houghton.

Liverpool had chances to reduce the deficit early in the second half but ensured they began Group B with maximum points when White struck with 22 minutes left.

Arsenal boss Laura Harvey admitted that the scoreline did not reflect a tight game.

“A 3-0 scoreline always looks quite comfortable," she said. "I think in the first half we made things quite hard for ourselves at times and scored two goals off set pieces.  

“We gave away quite a lot of set pieces but, in the end, it was quite comfortable.”