Mead inspires Arsenal after triumphant week

Arsenal cruised to their sixth successive league win against the relegation-battling Crystal Palace with a controlled victory.

- Sophie Downey

Arsenal cruised to their sixth successive league win against the relegation-battling Crystal Palace with a controlled victory. Beth Mead scored a superb double while a first-half finish from Alessia Russo and an own goal from Allyson Swaby completed a dominant afternoon for Renée Slegers's side.

Slegers was full of praise for the mature nature of Arsenal's display after their comeback victory against Real Madrid in midweek.

"It was a very professional performance at the end of a big block [of games] and with a big performance last Wednesday," she said. "I am very impressed with how the staff and players worked to get ready for this game...coming from the high of going to the semi-finals of the Champions League and then celebrating that - just the euphoria that you feel. But then the next three days have been about preparing for this match and the team have been very professional."

From the outset this game was a huge ask for Crystal Palace, who continue to prop up the WSL table. Leif Smerud, the manager, seemed to relish their role as underdogs but, having paid a visit to the Emirates Stadium, the Norwegian will have been aware of the challenges ahead.