Jill Roord stars as Arsenal hammer Reading 6-1 to kick-off WSL title hunt
JOE MONTEMURRO hailed hat-trick hero Jill Roord’s “special” display as Arsenal’s title hunt got off to a superb start.
The Netherlands midfielder, 23, helped her team thrash Reading after Kim Little got the first for the three-time WSL champions.
Gunners boss Montemurro said: “When I signed Jill, I saw someone special.
"I saw a player who had immense ability in finding space, but also her ability to play higher up, protect the ball, and find the pass.
“And the big thing we are looking for with Jill is to find a level and ascertain that level because she can float in and out of games at times and can get complacent because she is talented.
"So I’ve given her that challenge.”
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Among the Royals’ starters was Wales veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock, 33, and former Gunners golden girl Danielle Carter, returning from a lengthy ACL injury lay-off.
After Little’s early volley, Ballon d’Or nominee Vivianne Miedema slotted home in the 33rd minute, while Roord clocked her first before half-time.
Second-half goals from Roord and a 78th-minute rocket from Miedema made it a rout, before Carter hit an 89th-minute reply.