Yet even Foord would have recognised where the plaudits really lay as Dutch international Vivianne Miedema set a new WSL scoring record, reaching a total of 52 goals with a hat-trick.

Miedema moved ahead of the previous WSL record of 49 that she held jointly with England and Lyon forward Nikita Parris as Arsenal mainatined their perfect five-game start to the season at the top of the table.

Republic of Ireland international Katie McCabe had opened the scoring at Meadow Park just four minutes in with a superb free-kick.

Three minutes later Miedema made it 2-0 with a stunning left-footed strike across goal, taking the record in the process.

Defender Leah Williamson's pinpoint long ball then found Foord, who simply had to slot it past keeper Rebecca Spencer for the third with just 15 minutes played.

Miedema got her second 10 minutes before half-time as McCabe's quick free-kick found the Dutch striker who had timed her run perfectly and she wrapped up her hat-trick before the break, making it 52 goals in just 50 appearances.

Foord scored her second after 64 minutes with a shot from close-range, even though Arsenal failed to keep a clean sheet as substitute Lucia Leon eked out a 76th minute consolation.

Another Matilda was in good form with Emily Van Egmond heading home a first-half goal for West Ham but they were hammered 4-2 by Manchester United, who maintained their unbeaten record in second place.

Aileen Whelan's late equaliser earned Brighton a point in a 2-2 draw which ended Everton's 100 per cent record and left the Merseysiders also on 13 points.

Australian Associated Press