Stina Blackstenius and Smilla Holmberg claimed braces as Arsenal kept alive their Women's Super League title hopes by thrashing bottom club Leicester 7-0 at Emirates Stadium.

Quickfire goals from Frida Maanum and Holmberg put the reigning European champions in control before Blackstenius' double made it 4-0 at the break.

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Holmberg, Mariona Caldentey and substitute Leah Williamson completed the rout in the second period as Renée Slegers' side moved eight points behind leaders Manchester City with two games in hand.

Leicester are now guaranteed to face a relegation playoff against the WSL2's third-placed side next month following a ninth consecutive defeat.

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Arsenal opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Maanum marked her 100th WSL appearance by heading home a Taylor Hinds cross before Holmberg raced clear to claim her first goal for the club two minutes later.

After Gunners right-back Emily Fox rattled the crossbar, Blackstenius glanced in a delivery from Maanum and then capitalised on defensive dithering from the Foxes to fire into an unguarded net.

Arsenal, who will take a 2-1 lead into Saturday's Champions League semifinal second leg away to OL Lyonnes, continued to dominate after the restart.

January signing Holmberg volleyed in Olivia Smith's cross to register her second of the evening before Spain midfielder Caldentey curled home a fine finish in the 55th minute.

England captain Williamson added to the Foxes' misery by powerfully heading home her first WSL goal of the campaign from Holmberg's corner.

Leicester substitute Noémie Mouchon went close late on but there was no consolation for the outclassed visitors as they suffered a 15th loss from 20 games this season.