In Focus: Pelova proving instrumental in Arsenal's midfield

Victoria Pelova was the star of the show as Arsenal beat Leicester 6-2 last weekend.

The midfielder scored her side's fourth goal in a second-half rout at the King Power Stadium, while also providing two assists.

Victory saw the Gunners climb to second in the Women's Super League table as they look to stay in touch with leaders Chelsea.

Ahead of today's clash with Brighton, we reflect on how Pelova has become one of Arsenal's key players this term.

Pelova has proven herself to be among the WSL's most incisive passers.

Her ability to find openings in opposition defences is matched by very few in the division — and she demonstrated the skill again at Leicester.

Cloe Lacasse was the beneficiary of a superb through ball from Pelova early in the second half, the Canadian forward running clear to score and begin Arsenal's comeback from 2-0 down.

Later, the Gunners' No21 was on hand to tap in after Lacasse returned the favour, before setting up Stina Blackstenius for a simple finish in the box.

Such an influential performance was perhaps no surprise.

Pelova ranks second in the WSL for goal-creating actions per 90 minutes (1.38) and joint-first for assists (three).

Pelova, who joined Arsenal from Ajax last January, is clearly growing in confidence with each impressive performance.

After an inevitable period adjusting to a new league, the 24-year-old is starting to look at home in North London.

She said: "My team-mates are amazing, they give me the feeling that I am home.

"The more I am playing, the more comfortable I am feeling and players are getting to know me and I am getting to know them.

"The connection is growing the team, I love them all outside but now on the pitch, you can see it too.

"I always tell every coach I am not a right forward or left forward, or a wing-back. But wherever I play centrally, I don't care if I play six, eight or 10 as long as it's central."

Pelova is thriving at Arsenal after earning the trust of manager Jonas Eidevall.

The situation is in contrast to last season, when a lack of continuity and debate over her best position perhaps hindered the 49-cap international.

Back in May, Eidevall said: "You want Pelova on the ball so where you put her in the team has to be in a role where you involve her a lot.

"If that is from a wider position where she is dropping in and coming more central or whether she is starting from a central position, she can do both.

"We will see in the coming periods where Victoria's strengths will really flourish into one position."

A few months on, the Dutch star put in arguably her best performance since moving to Arsenal alongside Kyra Cooney-Cross in the engine room.

As the Gunners prepare to face Brighton, Eidevall may have hit upon the formula that will see Pelova emerge as one of the WSL's elite operators.