Amanda Ilestedt scored a late winner for Arsenal as they beat Championship side Southampton 2-1 in the Women's League Cup.  

The 30-year-old defender — signed on a free transfer this summer — headed home from a corner to bag her first goal for the North London club deep into added time.

It's a victory which means the Gunners continue their perfect start to life in Group D after beating Bristol City 3-1 earlier this month.

Southampton took a surprise lead 10 minutes after the restart at St Mary's when Molly Pike brilliantly lobbed Arsenal goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo from long range. 

However, Jonas Eidevall's side equalised quickly as Frida Maanum found some space in the box to fire the ball into the back of the net.

The hosts thought they were on course for an impressive point but Ilestedt came up with the late sucker punch, a key contribution which pleased Eidevall.

The Arsenal boss said: "We are pleased for her to contribute in that way, we know that is a strength of hers and it’s a really good delivery on the set-piece as well.

"I told the players afterwards that if you're going to win seven games in a row, you will need to find different ways to win games. 

"Sometimes it's going to be tight in the end and you have to find a way. It's about that mentality to never give up and always give your best."

Elsewhere, Durham beat Sheffield United 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic shootout following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.

Durham keeper Naoisha McAloon saved three spot kicks from Charlotte Newsham, Charley Docherty and Juliet Adebowale-Arimoro to secure a precious bonus point for the hosts.

Amy Andrews opened the scoring in the first half before Jessica Sigsworth levelled the game late on for Sheffield United.

Thursday's results in full

Southampton 1-2 Arsenal

Durham 1-1 Sheffield United (8-7 on pens)