By Tony Leighton

Sanderson played a bit-part in England's World Cup campaign

Lianne Sanderson bagged a brace as Arsenal collected a 4-1 Women's Premier League win at Liverpool.

The Gunners, whose start to the season was delayed as they had nine players in England's World Cup squad, have jumped to fifth in the table.

They are seven points behind Bristol Academy but have four games in hand.

And with England striker Sanderson in particular in scintillating form, they could be on the way to collecting a seventh League title in eight seasons.

Teenage striker Sanderson was the youngest player in the England squad and made only one brief substitute appearance during the World finals in China.

But she has released her pent-up energy, first on Watford, where she hit a hat-trick in a 6-2 win on Thursday evening, and now Liverpool.

In the only League game of the weekend, her two goals came within two minutes of each other just after the hour.

Wales captain Jayne Ludlow had given Arsenal the lead seven minutes before the break, and Sanderson's quick-fire brace effectively wrapped up victory.

Kelly Jones pulled a goal back in the 68th minute, but England winger Karen Carney struck a minute from time to ensure the Gunners completed a comfortable victory.

Along with Arsenal there are four clubs - Everton, Chelsea, Leeds and Doncaster - who have had their start to the League campaign delayed because of the World Cup.