Arsenal scored six second-half goals – including four in 12 minutes — as they staged an impressive comeback to move into second spot in the WSL table with a 6-2 victory at Leicester.

Leicester had taken the lead with two goals in as many minutes before half-time – through Sam Tierney, the City captain, and Janice Cayman.

But Jonas Eidevall’s side responded in convincing style after the break with goals from Cloe Lacasse, Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord and Victoria Pelova, as Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman watched on at the King Power Stadium.

Second-half substitute Stina Blackstenius, who scored the winner against Manchester City last week, slotted home Arsenal’s fifth goal after 75 minutes, with Leicester’s defence struggling to cope.

Lina Hurtig made it six in the eighth minute of stoppage time as Arsenal recorded their fifth straight win in all competitions, leaving them three points behind leaders Chelsea.

Arsenal should have taken the lead after 32 minutes. Pelova spotted a mix-up between goalkeeper Janina Leitzig and Courtney Nevin. Pelova lobbed the goalkeeper, only to see the ball bounce wide of the target.

But Leicester took the game to Arsenal again and they made them pay for that miss, taking the lead after 36 minutes.

A corner came in from the left and was met by Lena Petermann who headed the ball back into the six-yard box. Tierney was on hand to head home from close range.

It was the first goal Leicester had ever scored against Arsenal in the WSL. But they then added a second just two minutes later through Cayman, who converted a Hannah Cain pass from close range.

Arsenal started the second half strongly, clearly determined to make up for a poor display before the break. They pulled a goal back after 49 minutes through Lacasse, who outpaced the City defence, from a Foord ball, before finding the net.

And, just as Leicester had done before the break, they scored two in quick time – and suddenly the game was level.

Leicester were waiting for the offside flag to go up as Katie McCabe’s pass found Russo, who scored from close range.

After 58 minutes, Arsenal scored their third from a sweeping move straight after Leicester had been on the attack and had a penalty appeal turned down.

Russo delivered a cross and Foord met the ball with a looping shot that left Leitzig stranded.

Arsenal were on top form by this stage, and they made it four after 61 minutes as Pelova made up for her earlier miss. She connected with a Lacasse ball, with Leicester crumbling at the back.

Blackstenius’ goal came with 15 minutes left after she was put through by Pelova, while another Arsenal substitute Hurtig hit the post twice after coming on before racing clear unchallenged for goal number six. Beth Mead also hit the woodwork in stoppage time.