Stina Blackstenius, Beth Mead and Victoria Pelova were also among the goals as Renee Slegers' side closed the gap to Chelsea to just three points
Arsenal will go into Saturday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Lyon with plenty of confidence after comfortably dispatching Leicester City on Tuesday, despite missing all of Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Daphne van Domselaar. The Gunners will hope they can welcome the two England stars back into the fold before that big European outing but, if not, this 5-1 victory over the Foxes was a good tune-up for those that will play in their places, with Stina Blackstenius in particular impressing in the No.9 role as Renee Slegers' side closed the gap to Women's Super League leaders Chelsea to just three points.
It wasn't a game that served as particularly pertinent preparation for Arsenal, with them dominating in a fashion that won't be possible against eight-time European champions Lyon, but it was a game that allowed them to dust off the cobwebs after an international break that hit them hard with injuries.
There were just nine minutes on the clock when a truly world-class cross from Frida Maanum allowed Caitlin Foord to break the deadlock and, from there, the result was hardly in doubt. Those inside the Emirates Stadium didn't have to wait long to celebrate again either, with Blackstenius on the scoresheet this time as she latched onto a square pass from Beth Mead. The Swede turned provider when Arsenal made it three just past the half-hour mark, the impressive Foord finding the top corner with the aid of a deflection, and that allowed Slegers to make some changes at the break, with an eye on the weekend.
There was still plenty left in the tank, though. Kim Little danced through the Leicester box just past the hour and stood a cross up for Mead to head a fourth and then, after Yuka Momiki had arrowed an effort into the bottom corner to give the Foxes a consolation, the cherry on the cake was provided by Victoria Pelova, who marked just a third game back from injury with a goal that prompted wholesome celebrations from the entire team.
The Gunners still need Chelsea to slip up if they're to properly be in contention for that WSL title, and with the Blues just four games away from an invincible season, that is unlikely. However, if it does happen, Arsenal will be right there, ready to pounce. That's all they can do at this stage.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Manuela Zinsberger (6/10):
An important return to action in between the sticks given she is now likely to see the season out for the Gunners, with Van Domselaar potentially missing for six weeks. Didn't have much to do, but did little wrong.
Emily Fox (7/10):
Offered a great outlet going forward, regularly creating a dangerous overload down the right but also in some central areas.
Leah Williamson (7/10):
Stepped up to kickstart attacks on a regular basis, while also effectively keeping tabs on any potential Leicester threats.
Steph Catley (7/10):
Moved the ball accurately and was successful in most of her duels.
Katie McCabe (6/10):
Final ball wasn't always as pinpoint as one comes to expect from her, but she was a constant option in the final third without being too exposed defensively.
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Kim Little (8/10):
Quietly kept things ticking over in midfield, while letting Caldentey really run the show. Covered well defensively to mop up a few potential issues and provided a sublime assist for Arsenal's fourth.
Mariona Caldentey (8/10):
Dictated play throughout and was involved in everything good that Arsenal did. Yet another wonderful display.
Frida Maanum (7/10):
Added plenty to the attack and had some really nice moments, most notably the outstanding cross for Foord's opener. Taken off at the break, with one eye on Saturday.
Getty ImagesAttack
Beth Mead (7/10):
Ran at her marker, put good balls into the box and was generally a thorn in Leicester's side all night, getting a well-deserved goal in the second half.
Stina Blackstenius (7/10):
Worked hard off the ball, showed great movement when Arsenal were in possession and will have had her confidence boosted massively by a first goal in over two months.
Caitlin Foord (8/10):
Absolutely superb before being taken off at the break to save her for the weekend. Involved in all three first-half goals, able to finish devastatingly while also creating for others.
Subs & Manager
Victoria Pelova (7/10):
Marked just her third appearance of the season, following an ACL injury, with a goal, provoking real heart-warming celebrations. Looked sharp despite a lack of action.
Lia Walti (7/10):
Another half-time sub and just helped Arsenal continue to dictate and control the game with some smart moving of the ball.
Katie Reid (6/10):
The talented teenager got a good 25-minute run-out here and reminded everyone why she's so highly-rated in a composed cameo.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (6/10):
Introduced at the same time as Reid, she injected new life into the midfield and brought a lot of energy to the table despite the result being well beyond doubt already.
Amanda Ilestedt (N/A):
A late sub as she continues to build up her fitness after giving birth to her first child at the start of the season.
Renee Slegers (8/10):
A really well managed game in terms of minutes. Took full advantage of the opportunity to rest players ahead of that Lyon clash and handed out some valuable game time to the likes of Reid and Pelova, as well as players such as Blackstenius and Mead who could be crucial this weekend if Russo and Kelly are indeed still out.
