Russo and Blackstenius help Arsenal beat Leicester

Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius ran riot as Arsenal won a third consecutive match in all competitions by thrashing Leicester City in the Women's Super League.

Russo opened the scoring with a close-range strike before Leicester defender Sari Kees turned into her own net and Blackstenius finished off a superb team move to put Arsenal out of sight by half-time.

Leicester substitute Noemie Mouchon pulled a goal back with a brilliant late solo effort, but a minute later Blackstenius scored her second.

The 2,000-strong contingent of Arsenal fans made plenty of noise at the King Power Stadium and were treated to a ruthlessly slick performance reminiscent of the side that charged to Champions League glory last season.

Playing in a withdrawn role behind Blackstenius, Russo was on hand to convert when her team-mate miscontrolled a low cross.

Both missed glorious opportunities before Kees converted a cross past her own goalkeeper with Caitlin Foord breathing down her neck.

Blackstenius ended her five-game goal drought when she swept in from Beth Mead's cross following a slick move involving Mariona Caldentey.

After failing to attempt a shot in the first half, Leicester should have pulled a goal back shortly after the break, but Mouchon shot straight at Daphne van Domselaar after outsmarting Laia Codina.

Mouchon made amends when she surged from within her own half to score, but Blackstenius grabbed a second with a trademark run in behind the defence and a powerful finish into the roof of the net.

After a run of four games without a win earlier in the season, Renee Slegers' Arsenal have won back-to-back WSL matches for the first time since September.

They remain fifth in the table - five points behind leaders Chelsea - while Leicester slipped to third from bottom.

Analysis: Arsenal find form at the right time

On Friday Slegers said her players know what they are capable of, and it is fair to say they backed that up with action.

Despite missing Frida Maanum and Olivia Smith because of injury and Kyra Cooney-Cross through illness, Arsenal set about dismantling Leicester from the kick-off.

Blackstenius gave an early indication of her threat by chasing a dangerous throughball in the opening seconds, something she repeated several times over the 90 minutes.

Before Sunday she had started only one WSL game this season, but she showed she and Russo can form a deadly partnership when the England forward plays behind her.

"Both of them usually play as the nine, but they are different nines with different qualities," said Slegers.

"Today they complemented each other well and played their roles in an excellent way."

Although Leicester afforded them plenty of space, Russo, Blackstenius, wingers Mead and Foord and midfielder Caldentey looked fluid and energised as they exploited pockets and attacked at will.

Slegers made a string of changes before the hour mark, highlighting the strength in depth she has despite several injuries.

"We need everyone in the squad. We have to make sure that as a team and a squad we are always ready whoever it is from the start," she said.

"A good example is Laia Codina. She came on against Benfica, but those were her first minutes, then she played 90 today. The players have been working incredibly hard to be ready for that moment when it comes."

An upturn in form has come at the perfect time for Arsenal as, starting on Saturday, they face Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Tottenham and Real Madrid in an 11-day period that could define their season.

What's next for these teams?

Arsenal host Chelsea in the WSL on Saturday at 12:30 GMT, while Leicester travel to West Ham on 9 November at 12:00.

Head here to get involved