Arsenal continued to put pressure on the top two teams in the Women’s Super League – Chelsea and Manchester City – with an important 1-0 win over Liverpool before the winter break.
The Gunners move one point clear of second-placed Manchester City, who lost to Everton earlier in the day, but still trail leaders Chelsea by seven points, with Rene Slijers’ unbeaten run as caretaker manager extended to ten matches.
Alessia Russo scored the only goal of the match with a clever corner routine – mirroring the success of their male counterparts from set-pieces – as Katie McCabe’s forward pass was poorly cleared by Gemma Bonner, allowing Russo to tap home.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Alessia Russo gives Arsenal the lead against Liverpool after converting from a corner kick
Injury-plagued Liverpool had chances but Arsenal wasted them just as much, with Mariona Caldente missing from the penalty spot and Frida Mannum scoring a good second-half chance over the bar.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Gemma Bonner’s challenge on Alessia Russo resulted in a penalty kick, but Mariona Caldente hit the post.
Russo: Sliger makes me feel confident
Arsenal attacker Alicia Russo:
“Free kicks are a big part of football, they can win or lose games, so I’m really happy to score and get the three points.
“I feel good, I play my best when I’m happy. We find good connections on the pitch and Liverpool’s away game is difficult, so the three points are the most important.”
“[Renee Slegers] He was great, made me feel confident. We know how good our team is and we keep our heads down. We are happy as a team, it is the club’s decision [whether Slegers makes her interim role permanent]But it has stepped up and we are really enjoying it.”
The story of the game in statistics
What’s next?
https://e0.365dm.com/24/12/1600×900/skysports-wsl-womens-super-league_6776620.jpg?20241215145626