Beth Mead broke the WSL’s all-time assist record during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Everton, notching up her 36th assist in the top flight to surpass Karen Carney’s tally.

Mead played a one-two with Jordan Nobbs and laid the ball perfectly into the path of the England midfielder, who crashed home Arsenal’s third in a comfortable win on Merseyside.

The victory moves the Gunners back to within one point of WSL leaders Chelsea, as the title race looks set to go down to the wire.

Caitlin Foord gave Arsenal a first-half lead, before Mead doubled her side’s advantage just after the hour mark – another milestone for the winger, with the goal her 50th in the WSL.

Mead and Nobbs then combined for Arsenal’s third, the latter finishing in emphatic style following Mead’s smart layoff. The goal was also a special one for Nobbs, who joined Mead in the WSL half-century club.

„It was a great passage of play from us, Jordan demanded the ball but she made it an easy decision for me,“ Mead told Sky Sports at full time. „I think a few times in the first half we over cooked it and didn’t set the ball to people and Jordan was in the perfect position for me to set it perfectly.“

The 26-year-old equalled WSL great Karen Carney’s assist record in January, with the pair both sitting on 35 each prior to Sunday’s victory over Everton.

It continues a fantastic campaign for Mead, who has nine goals and six assists in the WSL this season, in addition to 12 goals and 10 assists for England.

On reaching 50 WSL goals, Mead added: „It’s an amazing feeling, I love playing in this league, I love playing for Arsenal and to get 50 goals in this league – in such a competitive league – is an amazing feeling.“