McCabe praises 'unbelievable' Mead after Gunners' dramatic Villa win

Arsenal winger Katie McCabe hailed the impact of Beth Mead on her return after almost a year out of action.

McCabe scored the Gunners' equaliser against Aston Villa at the Emirates in the 92nd minute, before Alessia Russo netted the dramatic winner two minutes later.

Mead provided the assist for that late strike having been given a rapturous ovation after her introduction from the bench.

Arsenal will hope such a morale-boosting win ignites their campaign after a slow start to the new Women's Super League season.

McCabe said: "Aston Villa came here and made it really difficult for us today, playing five at the back and being difficult to break down.

"We sustained attacks, we waited for the moments and we got the win in the end. It’s a really important three points for us.

"Beth Mead, what a player. To see her come on in front of a home crowd, the fans gave her the cheer, it was unbelievable.

"She’s worked so hard for the last 10 months and we’re all just so proud of her. She’s an unbelievable person and I’m delighted to have her back in the squad today.

"The shift we made as a team, the work-rate off the ball going forward was unbelievable from a whole team perspective. I’m really proud of the team’s performance and we need to just keep pushing now to Bristol next week."

Manager Jonas Eidevall was equally impressed by Mead.

He said: "She deserves that reception. She’s worked so hard. She’s had a really difficult year, both being injured, her mum passed away, we know that it’s been incredibly tough for her.

"It’s so nice to see her being back on the pitch, seeing her being able to perform straight away. You never know [if that will happen].

"You have the hope, otherwise I would never have put her on, but you don’t know it until you’ve seen [it].

"But she does, obviously. Because she’s Beth Mead, and we’re happy about that."