Arsenal Women returned to league action with an entertaining 4-1 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, including a brace from Stina Blackstenius.

Alessia Russo got Arsenal off to the perfect start when she slammed the ball past Janina Leitzig in the seventh minute, after an inviting Beth Mead cross.

Russo turned provider to force an own goal from Sari Kees after 32 minutes, before Blackstenius made it 3-0 four minutes later.

Renee Slegers was able to hand second half minutes to Victoria Pelova and Jenna Nighswonger, with a number of players ill or injured for the Gunners.

Substitute Noemi Mouchon pulled a goal back for the home side seven minutes from time, but Blackstenius then made it 4-1 almost immediately on the counter to seal three points.

Arsenal’s 1,700 travelling supporters were in good voice ahead of Saturday’s crucial WSL meeting with leaders Chelsea, for which over 50,000 tickets have been sold.