Arsenal Women made light work of the London Bees, winning 7-0 in their FA WSL Cup tie.

This was the first match of the cup competition, which starts with a group stage. Only the top two of the five teams in each group advance. So as well as the three points, goal difference can be a factor later on.

With this in mind, and looking to build confidence after a couple of disappointing results, Pedro Losa named a strong team for the match. London Bees have lost all three of their WSL2 games so far, so a weakened side could have done the job, but a big win to start things off is never a bad thing.

That’s exactly what Arsenal managed, and after a relatively slow start by the Gunners, Lisa Evans scored at the half-way point of the first period, to make it 1-0. Evans passed the ball under the keeper after being played in by Jordan Nobbs.

Next, Emma Mitchell added to the lead, scoring an impressive half-volley from the edge of the area, followed by heading in a Jordan Nobbs corner. The home side went into the dressing room at half-time 3-0 up, and in control of the match.

Things only got worse for the visitors in the second half, as Jodie Taylor came off the bench for a fourth on the rebound in the 52nd minute. Beth Mead was then tripped in the area, converted the resulting penalty, and 20 minutes later converted another to make it 6-0.

There was still time to add one more in the final 10 minutes, and Nobbs was again the provider as Louise Quinn headed in from her cross for the seventh and final goal of the match.

Overall, a comfortable and confidence-building victory that would have been just what Losa was hoping for.

Now the players go into the international break, before the trip to Everton on October 29th.