Beth Mead credited the support of her Arsenal team-mates after scoring her first goals since returning from an 11-month injury layoff.

The England international, recalled to Sarina Wiegman's squad last week, followed up Frida Maanum's opener with a first-half brace to send the Gunners on their way to a 3-0 victory over West Ham in the Women's Super League on Sunday.

Mead told Sky Sports: "I think they were trying to manifest a goal for me.

"They have seen what I've gone through in the last 12 months so to get a goal having not scored in over a year is a really nice feeling and nice for them as well.

"I'll take that one [the first], especially as my left foot is usually for standing on."

A sixth league victory on the bounce for Jonas Eidevall's side sets up a mouthwatering clash with leaders Chelsea after the international break on Sunday, December 10.

Immediate impact

Liverpool manager Matt Beard hailed the impact of Shanice van de Sanden after she scored in her first game since giving birth to a baby girl.

The forward only returned to training with the Reds on Friday but netted the second in a 4-0 rout over Brighton, with Gemma Bonner, Ceri Holland and Sophie Roman Haug also on the scoresheet.

Beard told the club website: "She is an infectious character.

"What you see on the pitch is what she's like day to day. I'm absolutely delighted for her and her family.

"I thought Sophie was outstanding today as well, with two assists for her and the goal.

"We're going into the international break with four goals, a clean sheet and three points."

Patience pays off

Marc Skinner praised the patience of his Manchester United side after they won 2-0 at Bristol City on Sunday.

The visitors had to wait until the second half to make the breakthrough, with Japan international Hinata Miyazawa scoring after 50 minutes.

Nikita Parris doubled United's lead five minutes later to seal the deal.

Skinner told the club website: "It was always going to be frustrating with the way Bristol set up.

"They are a very organised 5-4-1, which we understand, so we had to be patient and you don't always win games in the first half.

"It's a great learning curve for us again, to be patient against a deep block and I'm really proud of all the girls today.

"You've got to take the three points and take the goals as they come. We were professional."

WSL Matchday 8 results in full

Bristol City 0-2 Manchester United

Chelsea 5-2 Leicester

Liverpool 4-0 Brighton

Arsenal 3-0 West Ham

Aston Villa 1-2 Everton

Manchester City 7-0 Tottenham