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Arsenal women’s player ratings vs West Ham: Stina Blackstenius stars after replacing anonymous Alessia Russo as Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji fire manager-less Gunners to much-needed WSL win

In their first league game since Jonas Eidevall's resignation, the Gunners had to battle hard to secure all three points in east London

DearMama Gurutrends4 hours ago

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Renee Sleger’s first Women’s Super League game as interim Arsenal head coach ended with the Gunners claiming a hard-fought 2-0 win away at West Ham.

Inclement conditions at kick-off did neither side any favours, with torrential rain in east London making life difficult for those on the field and in the stands. The hosts started brightly enough, though, and could have made more of early set-piece situations.

Arsenal took control of ball possession from there, but were unable to do much with it. England striker Alessia Russo did get the odd sight of goal, but Hammers goalkeeper Kinga Szemik was only forced into a couple of comfortable first-half saves.

Beth Mead was introduced off the bench as the hour-mark approached, but fellow Lionesses star Leah Williamson remained stuck among the substitutes after dropping out of the starting XI.

Stina Blackstenius, meanwhile, looked lively after replacing Russo and won a penalty in the 70th minute following a clumsy challenge from Amber Tysiak – with Mariona Caldentey registering her first WSL goal from the spot as she sent Szemik the wrong way.

Blackstenius was then involved in Arsenal’s second, as they wrapped up the points late on, with the Swede teeing up international team-mate Rosa Kafaji for her first Gunners goal – with a smart first-time finish fired into the top corner.

GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from Victoria Road…

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Daphne van Domselaar (5/10):

Rarely called into action, with West Ham failing to hit the target with their better opportunities.

Emily Fox (5/10):

The United States star did get one sight of goal, but saw a tame effort from a tight angle easily saved.

Laia Codina (5/10):

Got spun on a couple of occasions but was never unduly troubled by the West Ham attacking unit.

Stephanie Catley (5/10):

Usually operates at left-back, but did not look out of place as a centre-half replacement for Williamson.

Katie McCabe (6/10):

Happy to get forward and provide width in attack, but decision-making let her down at times.
- Midfield
  
  Kim Little (5/10):
  
  The captain should make Arsenal tick, especially in games that get a little scrappy, but struggled to pull the strings.
  
  Lia Walti (6/10):
  
  Broke up play effectively in the middle of the park and fired in one effort that could have delivered a rare goal.
  
  Frida Maanum (5/10):
  
  The Norwegian tried to offer the support that Russo needed up top, but often found herself chasing shadows.
- Getty
  
  Attack
  
  Caitlin Foord (5/10):
  
  Hauled off just before the hour-mark having made little impact on proceedings.
  
  Mariona Caldentey (/10):
  
  The Spaniard was on target in the midweek win over Valerenga and held her nerve to convert from the spot.
  
  Alessia Russo (5/10):
  
  Worked hard, dropping deep and wide, but had few sights of goal and was unable to make the most of those that did come her way before being replaced.
- Subs & Manager
  
  Beth Mead (5/10):
  
  Can claim little responsibility for Arsenal dragging themselves over the line.
  
  Stina Blackstenius (7/10):
  
  Saw a dinked effort flicked around the post before winning the penalty that changed the game and teeing up Arsenal’s second.
  
  Kyra Cooney-Cross (5/10):
  
  Few touches of note after stepping off the bench.
  
  Rosa Kafaji (6/10):
  
  Memorable day for the Swede as she grabbed her first goal for the Gunners.
  
  Katie Reid (5/10):
  
  More useful minutes for the youngster after being introduced late on.
  
  Renee Slegers (6/10):
  
  Has overseen back-to-back wins in continental and domestic competition, but knows there is still much work to do.