Arsenal romped to their biggest league win of the season with a
seven-goal thrashing of bottom club Birmingham City on Sunday.
England Under-19 international Lianne Sanderson notched her
seventh, eighth and ninth goals of the campaign in all competitions
to help the Gunners to their fifth league success of the
season.
Vic Akers' side were six up at the half-time interval
courtesy of a Sanderson brace, Ciara Grant, Jayne Ludlow, Kelly
Smith and an own goal by the home side.
Arsenal made a bright start to the game and their early pressure
was rewarded when England star Smith played in Republic of Ireland
skipper Grant to calmly slot home the opener inside 10 minutes.
Just two minutes later, Grant could have double her tally but was
denied by the Birmingham goalkeeper.
Nonetheless, the visiting side did not have to wait long to
establish a two-goal cushion as Sanderson struck for the first
time.
Arsenal were dominating proceedings with some excellent football
and further strikes from Smith, Ludlow, and Sanderson put the
result beyond doubt before Kirsty Pealling's shot ricocheted in
off a defender as half-time approached.
Understandably, Arsenal took their foot off the pedal in the
second period and scored just once more - a third of the afternoon
for Sanderson as she completed her hat-trick after 56 minutes.
The reigning champions remain in fourth spot, six points adrift
of leaders Charlton Athletic but with two games in hand.
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