Arsenal Women’s 7-0 defeat of Leicester City moved them up to third place in the Barclays WSL with games still in hand, while the Foxes were condemned to finish last.
The Gunners struck twice in a couple of minutes during the first half hour, with Taylor Hinds’s cross headed in off the far post by Frida Maanum, who then turned provider by picking out Smilla Holmberg, who fired home across goalkeeper Olivia Clark.
Stina Blackstenius scored twice late in the first half, heading the ball into the net from a second assist by Maanum, and sliding to finish well from a touch by Victoria Pelova.
It was 5-0 soon after the interval, with Holmberg doubling her tally by tapping in Smith’s cross past substitute goalkeeper Katie Keane.
Laia Codina teed up Mariona Caldentey to score from 15 yards, while Holmberg’s corner was headed in by Leah Williamson.
Noemie Mouchon was just off target for Leicester from the corner of the box, while Keane made a number of saves for City.
The Foxes, who have two more league matches to play, will then face a relegation play-off against the team that finishes third in the Barclays WSL 2.
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