Arsenal continued their flying form under new head coach Renee Slegers with a thumping 5-0 win over Women's Super League strugglers Crystal Palace.

Slegers, who was confirmed as Jonas Eidevall's permanent successor on Friday, saw her side race into an early lead, defender Leah Williamson poking home her first goal of the season from a corner after just six minutes.

Midfielder My Cato had a golden chance to level for the visitors but after beating the offside trap she dragged her effort wide of the far post.

Alessia Russo stabbed the ball home shortly after half-time to double Arsenal's lead, reacting quickest to a shot parried into the box.

As Palace chased a way back into the game Arsenal punished them in emphatic fashion.

Beth Mead provided a wonderful low drive to cap a counter-attack, before Mariona Caldentey added a late double to complete the scoring.

The midfielder slotted home from the penalty spot after Annabel Blanchard clumsily upended Caitlin Foord, before curling a low effort into the opposite corner for her second goal and Arsenal's fifth.

The defeat leaves Palace rock bottom of the WSL table on five points, one adrift of Leicester City, while Arsenal move into second although only on goal difference after Manchester United's derby win over Manchester City on Sunday evening.

Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace extended Slegers' unbeaten record to 12 matches.

While the Gunners were not at their free-flowing best against Palace they still scored five times without reply, with four different players finding the net - that is now 36 goals scored in 12 games since the Dutchwoman took charge.

At times under previous manager Jonas Eidevall Arsenal were accused of looking lost or running out of ideas when they came up against stubborn low-block defences.

However, under Slegers they have addressed that issue and even found a way to turn difficult encounters such as these into routine wins.

They next head to Stamford Bridge to face runaway leaders Chelsea, a game that will put their form and Slegers' credentials to the test.

Asked whether the Gunners are still in the WSL title race going into the Chelsea match, Slegers said: "We have to believe that, and we have to do everything within our control - and we did that today.

"It's definitely the result we wanted and the result we needed. We have that belief and we keep on looking upwards in every game we play and try to get closer."

After that there are two midweek cup ties to navigate, before another tough away WSL trip to Manchester City.

A pivotal few weeks lie ahead for the Gunners, but under the guidance of Slegers there is growing optimism that silverware could be on the cards this season.