There were outstanding performances from all three England forwards on Sunday as Renee Slegers' side won a fifth WSL game in a row

Sunday was all about Arsenal's Lionesses as Beth Mead, Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly starred in a front line that secured the Gunners a 4-0 win at Crystal Palace, moving them back into second place in the Women's Super League table with just four games to go. Manchester United had leapfrogged the north London side earlier in the day by beating Everton in the early kick-off, but it took just a couple of hours for Arsenal to rise back above them and maintain their seven-point cushion inside the Champions League places, with them also ready to pounce should pace-setters Chelsea slip-up in the run-in.

Bottom side Palace boosted their survival hopes earlier this month with a 3-1 win over Aston Villa and the spring that, plus the appointment of Leif Gunnar Smerud, has put in their step was evident in the early stages of a game that was quite even. However, once Kelly and Mead had combined brilliantly to put Arsenal ahead, it was difficult to see anything but an away win. The former's cross was volleyed in wonderfully for the latter's 50th WSL goal and from there the Gunners never looked back. Just over 10 minutes later, it was two, with Mariona Caldentey able to pick the pocket of My Cato in the Palace half to allow Russo to continue a wonderful week, this her third goal of it after her heroics against Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

Palace generally did well to stay in the game, albeit without creating many chances and while thanking goalkeeper Shae Yanez for some big saves. Caldentey and Russo were both denied by the American, with Kelly and Frida Maanum missing the target from other opportunities, before the third goal of the day finally came in the closing stages. Kelly was the instigator, darting inside from the left, and Allyson Swaby was the unlucky Palace defender who inadvertently prodded the ball into the back of her own net to put the result well and truly beyond doubt. There was still time for a fourth, though, as Mead's cross-cum-shot beat Yanez in stoppage time to complete a great day out for the Gunners – and especially their England stars.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Gander Green Lane…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Daphne van Domselaar (6/10):

Had very little to do all afternoon.

Emily Fox (7/10):

Great on the ball and battled well, coming up with some timely defensive actions to thwart Palace.

Leah Williamson (7/10):

Mopped up nicely at the back and was central to most of Arsenal's attacking play, too.

Steph Catley (7/10):

Another who was fantastic in possession and also did well whenever called upon defensively.

Jenna Nighswonger (7/10):

Got forward plenty on her full WSL debut, adding even more threat to Arsenals' already lively left-hand side.

AdvertisementMidfield

Lia Walti (6/10):

Was a little loose in possession at times, but still played a number of great passes and did plenty of good work off the ball as well.

Mariona Caldentey (7/10):

After running the show in midfield on Wednesday, found herself in a central role again and picked up where she left off with another great performance.

Frida Maanum (7/10):

Got involved plenty, be it in defence or attack. Was sharp in attack and created some nice openings, while also winning possession back more than any other player before going off just past the hour.

Getty ImagesAttack

Chloe Kelly (8/10):

Delivered a number of brilliant crosses, most notably the one Mead volleyed home to break the deadlock, and caused the problems that led to Arsenal's third.

Alessia Russo (7/10):

Didn't have many chances but pounced upon the first that fell her way, doubling Arsenal's lead with a clinical finish. Should've had a second, mind.

Beth Mead (8/10):

A really lively performance in which she created plenty and netted twice, with the first an absolute cracker.

Subs & Manager

Kim Little (7/10):

Added a little more impetus than Walti when replacing the Swiss international just past the hour.

Victoria Pelova (6/10):

Continued her return from a devastating ACL injury with a strong half an hour here. Could've had an assist, after setting up Russo for a great chance.

Rosa Kafaji (N/A):

Made her first league appearance in eight weeks in the closing stages.

Kyra Cooney-Cross (N/A):

Another late sub to freshen up the midfield.

Katie Reid (N/A):

The promising young defender replaced Williamson for the final few minutes.

Renee Slegers (7/10):

Freshened things up after a big midweek performance, with Nighswonger and Mead among those who took big opportunities to start. Decision to keep Caldentey in a central role was another great call that paid dividends.