The England international returned to form as Arsenal's attack put on a five-star performance to reignite their Women's Super League campaign

Three goals in 12 first-half minutes helped Arsenal thrash in-form Brighton in a 5-0 Women's Super League win at the Emirates on Friday night.

Lionesses ace Beth Mead put the hosts ahead in the 13th minute when her left-footed shot curled into the corner before Caitlin Foord doubled their lead nine minutes later as she finished off a beautiful team move from close range.

Frida Maanum scored a goal of the season contender in the 25th minute when she fired the ball into the top corner. Foord nearly made it 4-0 before the half-hour mark when her shot cannoned off the post as she tried to catch out an out of position Sophie Baggaley in the Brighton goal.

The visitors improved after the break, with the lively Kiko Seike firing a powerful strike against the crossbar – but a Maisie Symonds own-goal 14 minutes from time summed up a torrid night for Dario Vidosic's side in the capital.

To make matters even worse, Jorelyn Carabali conceded a penalty in second-half stoppage time and Alessia Russo converted the subsequent spot-kick.

After registering their worst start to a WSL season for a decade before the match, the Gunners secured a statement win and rose to fourth in the table. Brighton, who lost substitute Aisha Masaka to a serious-looking injury at the end, are still third despite this heavy defeat.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates…

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Manuela Zinsberger (7/10):

Had virtually nothing to do all night as her defence easily kept Brighton's attack in check.

Emily Fox (7/10):

Was up against the tricky Kiko Seike and did not have it all her own way. While she struggled at times with the Japanese attacker, she was effective when she was allowed to get forward.

Leah Williamson (8/10):

Both her and team-mate Stephanie Catley kept Nikita Parris and Fran Kirby quiet for the majority of the contest.

Stephanie Catley (8/10):

Didn't have a great deal to do but when there were some signs of danger, she was more than equal to it.

Katie McCabe (8/10):

Swept up a lot of the potential danger that came her way and didn't have much trouble with Madison Haley and Kirby on the right.

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Beth Mead (8/10):

Justified her return to the starting lineup, after being on the bench against Manchester United, as she took her goal in sumptuous fashion and was constantly busy looking for work.

Kim Little (8/10):

Was neat and tidy in midfield, got a lovely assist for Foord, and barely put a foot wrong in the centre of the park.

Lia Walti (8/10):

Got stuck into the midfield battle and nearly always came out on top against Vicky Losada and co.

Caitlin Foord (9/10):

Bagged her seventh goal of the season in all competitions as she was in the right place at the right time to tuck home Kim Little's pinpoint cross. Could have had a hat-trick on another day but she was a right nuisance all night long for Brighton.

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Frida Maanum (9/10):

Not many will score a better goal than her one this season. The Norwegian was a threat throughout and was perhaps unfortunate to be taken off early in the second half.

Alessia Russo (8/10):

Her work rate and work off the ball were impressive in what was a fairly selfless play for the striker. Deservedly bagged a goal late on from the spot.

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Stina Blackstenius (7/10):

Gave Brighton's defence another look and won her side a penalty at the death.

Laia Codina (8/10):

Added a bit more defensively solidity when she came on for Fox. Made an excellent last-ditch tackle at the death.

Kyra Cooney-Cross (8/10):

Showed plenty of neat touches and tricks and flicks in an exciting display.

Lina Hurtig (7/10):

Was physical and direct when she came off the bench.

Rosa Kafaji (N/A):

Didn't get many touches of the ball.

Renee Slegers (8/10):

The interim manager did what not many teams have been able to do this season – unpick a high-flying Brighton side. They could have hit double figures against the Seagulls and if she keeps this up, the Dutchwoman could get the job on a permanent basis.