Alessia Russo Scores Twice as Arsenal Women Beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in the WSL
Arsenal Women beat Liverpool Women 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday, November 8, in Matchweek 9 of the Women's Super League. Alessia Russo scored both of Arsenal's goals in the first half. The win came after a disappointing draw against Aston Villa and made it three wins in four games for Arsenal.
Arsenal started with Misa Rodriguez, Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Taylor Hinds, Kim Little, Georgia Stanway, Lisa Baum, Olivia Smith, Caitlin Foord and Alessia Russo. Kyra Cooney-Cross was left out of the starting eleven, and Little started for the first time since her injury.
Russo opened the scoring inside ten minutes. Fox crossed into the centre of the box, and Russo hit the ball past goalkeeper Khiara Keating. Liverpool equalised in the 15th minute through Beata Olsson. Williamson was the only outfield player between Olsson and the goalkeeper, and the striker made no mistake.
Russo scored the winner on the brink of half-time. Baum crossed from the right, and Russo got on the end of it with a header in the 45th minute. Arsenal went into the break 2-1 up and held on in the second half.
It was a nervy finish for the visitors. Rodriguez was helped by an offside flag, which ruled out a Liverpool equaliser. Hinds was injured in the second half. Frida Maanum returned from a knock as a substitute.
Russo came into the match having scored in each of her previous two WSL appearances. Arsenal had also won 21 of their previous 27 WSL meetings with Liverpool. That run included a 3-1 win at Anfield on the final day of last season.
Liverpool had conceded four goals at West Ham earlier this season. Head coach Gareth Taylor made one change to his side, bringing Vivien Endemann in for Alice Bergstrom.
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers had said before the game that she was convinced fans would see a good Arsenal team on Sunday. The win gave her side a boost before a big week. They now turn to the Women's Champions League, where they face Barcelona on Thursday.