Manchester United cruised past Leicester City 5-1 in the Women's Super League on Sunday afternoon to extend their lead at the top of the table.
It took just 15 minutes for the hosts to open the scoring as a double save from Leicester keeper Janina Leitzig wasn't enough to keep out Alessia Russo. United's number 23 then made it two before half-time with a towering header at the back post.
There was a brief moment of concern for Marc Skinner's side just after the break as the Foxes pulled one back through debutant Remy Siemsen. The two-goal lead was restored shortly after, however, as Russo tapped home her third and final goal of the afternoon - and her first ever WSL hat-trick.
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Leah Galton, who had been a threat for United all game, then got her deserved goal as she drilled an effort beyond Leitzig. In the closing stages, substitute Lucia Garcia made it five with a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Here’s how the players got on at Leigh Sports Village…
Mary Earps - Quick off her line when she needed to be and was alert to a Leicester free-kick that appeared to be creeping into the top corner. Loose clearance that led to Leicester's goal, but had very little to do otherwise. 8.
Ona Batlle - Fantastic ball in for Russo to head home for the second goal of the first half. Her dangerous balls into the box were a threat across the 90 minutes. 8.
Hannah Blundell - Used her pace exceptionally well to deal with any long balls over the top from Leicester and always outpaced the striker. 8.
Ella Toone - Her pace and movement caused all sorts of problems for the Leicester back line. Often picked up space on the left and on the edge of the box and was able to carve out dangerous opportunities. Huge chance to make it five but couldn’t get her feet right. 8.
Martha Thomas - Headed an effort goalwards for United’s third, probably thought she’d scored but it was fumbled by Leitzig and eventually tapped home by Russo. A battling display but later subbed for Nikita Parris. 8.
Katie Zelem - Some dangerous balls over the top for Ella Toone to run onto, which caused a handful of problems for the Leicester back line. Set-piece delivery was on point, as always. 8.
Leah Galton - Key for United going forward, a lot of the creative play came through her. Got a deserved goal to make it four for United. 9.
Hayley Ladd - Composed on the ball and always able to pick out the pass, even when under pressure. 8.
Maya Le Tissier - Hannah Cain had the beating of her at times on the rare occasion Leicester City got forward. Comfortable in possession and played some pin-point long balls for the attackers to run onto. Overall, another mature performance. 8.
Millie Turner - Composed at the back and cleared her lines when she needed to, but didn’t pick up Siemsen’s run for Leicester’s goal. 8.
Alessia Russo - Cool finish for the opening goal as she capitalised on Leicester’s inability to clear their lines. Towering header at the back post for the second and in the right place at the right time for the third. Could've scored another if not for the post. 9.
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