By Connor Armstrong
SUMMARY
Arsenal maintained their title push with a convincing 4-0 win over Sunderland at the Hetton Centre on Sunday.
The visitors opened the scoring when Dan Carter was felled by Abby Holmes in the area, allowing Vicky Losada to fire in the rebound after Fara Williams’ penalty had been saved.
The Gunners doubled their advantage 13 minutes later, with Jordan Nobbs sending an exquisite effort past Laws with the outside of her right foot after a smart one-two with Danielle van de Donk.
Arsenal extended their advantage within four minutes of the restart when Carter turned home a Dominique Janssen cross.
After Van de Donk was taken to ground in the 51st minute, Williams completed the scoring from the spot, blasting past Laws as the Gunners continued their recent fine form.
SETTING THE SCENE
Pedro Martinez Losa made two changes from the side that beat Chelsea last weekend.
With Josephine Henning away with Germany ahead of the Olympic Games, Jemma Rose deputised and Emma Mitchell dropped to the bench.
Dominique Janssen filled in at left-back while Natalia came in to bolster the attack.
FIRST HALF
Arsenal started on the front foot, with Williams sending a free-kick just wide of goal with the first effort of the game.
The Gunners were then handed a golden opportunity to open the scoring when Holmes felled Carter in the penalty area.
Williams assumed responsibility for the spot kick, and although Laws saved her attempt, Losada was on hand to fire in the rebound.
Nobbs then doubled their advantage, sending the ball past Laws with the outside of her right foot after smart interplay with Van de Donk.
Nobbs nearly added to her tally, hitting the post after a cut-back from captain Alex Scott.
SECOND HALF
Losa’s side extended their lead just four minutes into the second half, when Janssen’s floated cross was converted by Carter at the far post.
Moments later, the Gunners had a fourth goal, with Williams making no mistake from the spot as she blasted the ball past Laws after Van de Donk was brought down.
Sunderland then denied Arsenal a fifth goal when substitute Katie McCabe saw her cross hacked off the goal-line by Holmes.
Mitchell then threatened with an effort of her own, but the back-pedalling Laws got just enough on the ball to tip it over the crossbar.
Despite a flurry of late chances, the match ended 4-0 as the Gunners extended their unbeaten run to nine matches.
Referee:
Attendance: 608
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