Arsenal Women Weekly Roundup: Can Russo Inspire A Gunners Revival?
What a difference a few weeks can make for Arsenal Women! After a deeply frustrating start to the Women’s Super League season, there have finally been some encouraging signs for Renée Slegers and her Gunners.
When we last published our weekly roundup following the Birmingham City draw, Arsenal were struggling to turn possession and chances into victories, with questions growing about Slegers’ ability to turn things around.
Those concerns haven’t disappeared, but Alessia Russo is certainly doing everything she can to lead Arsenal’s revival.
Russo Provides The Spark Arsenal Have Been Missing
Our North London Derby victory over Tottenham provided a much-needed boost, with Russo scoring the winner from the penalty spot after setting up Georgia Stanway’s equaliser.
That was followed by an impressive 3-0 Champions League victory over Benfica, with Russo producing a superb hat-trick.
Unfortunately, the momentum stalled again last Sunday when Arsenal were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Aston Villa at the Emirates.
Arsenal dominated proceedings but needed an 85th-minute header from Russo to rescue a point after Chasity Grant had given Villa the lead.
As per Sky Sports, Arsenal registered 27 shots against Villa but managed just one goal.
The finishing problems that have plagued this campaign clearly haven’t been completely resolved.
Russo’s Anfield Double Sets Up Barcelona Challenge
Today’s trip to Anfield delivered a much-needed three points as Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Liverpool, with Russo scoring both goals.
The England international opened the scoring in the eighth minute, converting Emily Fox’s low cross, before Beata Olsson equalised for Liverpool seven minutes later.
Russo restored Arsenal’s lead just before half-time, heading home Lisa Baum’s cross to complete her double.
The Gunners held on to secure an important away victory, giving Slegers a welcome boost ahead of a demanding week.
Arsenal now face a Champions League trip to Barcelona on Wednesday, followed by a WSL home fixture against London City Lionesses next Sunday.
Barcelona will provide a serious examination of Arsenal’s European ambitions, while the London City fixture represents another opportunity to recover lost ground domestically.
There is still plenty of work ahead, particularly in front of goal, but Russo’s performances have given Arsenal supporters renewed hope.
Can Arsenal Women build on their recent improvement and find the consistency needed to climb into the WSL’s top three and secure Champions League football next season?
