Mead broke a turgid deadlock in front of 42,820 fans at the Emirates Stadium shortly before half-time. The England striker started and finished a sumptuous move with Caitlin Foord providing the assist. The Foxes remained firmly in the match as Arsenal struggled in front of goal until Russo tucked a shot beyond goalkeeper Lize Kop with 15 minutes remaining.

Russo’s goal marked her sixth in seven appearances at the Emirates Stadium and her ninth goal this season, putting her fourth in the overall goal-scoring standings. Russo’s goal all but confirmed a third-place finish for the Gunners. Mead added a third goal three minutes later following Russo’s header.

Arsenal’s clinching of the third-place spot in the WSL table means that for the past eight of the last nine WSL seasons, the top three spaces have been claimed by Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea. This exit was one of many historic European heavyweights to go out in the early stages. *Join our new WhatsApp community* and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.

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