Arsenal women’s player ratings vs Rangers: Four-goal Caitlin Foord fires Gunners to easy victory as Kim Little pulls the strings in stunning Champions League qualifying display

Arsenal were the favourites for this encounter but, just a few hours before kick-off, in-season Rosenborg stunned Spanish giants Atletico Madrid at the same ground, in the same qualifying group. The Gunners therefore knew they needed to be sharp to set up a meeting with the Norwegian side on Saturday, especially given Rangers have started their new season in flying, unbeaten form. That mindset was clear in Arsenal’s performance, too, with them on it from the get go.

Mariona Caldentey, making her competitive debut after a summer switch from Barcelona, showed her quality early on as Foord headed in one of a number of teasing crosses delivered by the Spaniard. Kim Little dominated, with her gorgeous footwork and even better pass through setting up the Australia international for her second of the day. Within seconds, Alessia Russo’s thumping finish made it three, Foord’s best Robin van Persie impression completed her hat-trick and then Katie McCabe, whose cross produced the fourth goal, won a penalty late on that allowed Little to deservedly get on the scoresheet. There was even time for a fourth for Foord, from close-range in the dying seconds.

GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from Meadow Park…

Manuela Zinsberger (6/10):

Had nothing to do.

Emily Fox (7/10):

Roamed both down the right and more centrally to be a real asset in possession.

Laia Codina (7/10):

Looked strong and assured at the back when called upon.

Leah Williamson (7/10):

Always provided an option for the ball in the right moments.

Katie McCabe (7/10):

Backed Mariona up well, was an important part of Arsenal’s build-up and delivered a devastatingly brilliant assist for Foord’s hat-trick.

Kim Little (9/10):

Absolutely ran the show in the middle of the park. Classy display.

Kyra Cooney-Cross (8/10):

Looked confident and passed the ball with purpose.

Frida Maanum (8/10):

Some nice touches and link-up in midfield, as well as a brilliant assist for Russo. Made her case moving forward, after Rosa Kafaji’s strong pre-season.

Caitlin Foord (10/10):

On her less-favoured side but it didn’t show in a scintillating display. Her third goal was a thing of beauty.

Alessia Russo (8/10):

Not a lot of space for her to work with, given Rangers were on the back foot all night, but she showed good energy, moved well when she could and pressed with intent. Earned her goal.

Mariona Caldentey (8/10):

Caused Rangers plenty of problems down the left on a sublime debut.

Rosa Kafaji (6/10):

Some lovely glimpses in her 20 minutes off the bench.

Stina Blackstenius (6/10):

Almost scored within seconds of coming on as she made sure the Rangers defence continued to have something to think about in the latter stages.

Laura Wienroither (N/A):

Came on late in the second half to see the game out.

Lia Walti (N/A):

Like Wienroither, was only on for a brief period at the end.

Kathrin Kuhl (N/A):

On for the final moments.

Jonas Eidevall (8/10):

Didn’t underestimate the task at hand and put out a strong team to get the job done. Chose wisely in keeping Mariona on the left and switching Foord to the right, with both proving a threat throughout. Couldn’t ask for much more from the performance, really.