Arsenal striker Alessia Russo scored a poacher’s goal against arch-rival Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in front of a sold-out crowd of 60,050 at the Emirates Stadium, keeping the hosts in contention for the Women’s Super League title.
Alessia Russo distinguished the two sides, with Spur star Beth England coming on late as a replacement but unable to score. The home team prevailed, but the away team had numerous opportunities in an intriguing match.
The Gunners, who needed a win to stay in the title race, predominated the first half, compelling Spurs to concede, but the away team proved dangerous on the counterattack.
At halftime, the game had many chances, but neither side had converted them. However, when the breakthrough eventually arrived, it was well worth the wait.
Kim Little’s wonderful floated pass reached Beth Mead at the far post, where she killed the ball with a fantastic touch. Although she couldn’t get the shot off due to high pressure from scrambling Spurs players, she was able to force the ball to Russo’s foot, who scored from close range.
That marked Mead’s 40th assist for Arsenal, which is the most in the league’s history by a single team.
Following Russo’s goal, the visitors had their best period of the game and continued to press into seven minutes of stoppage time, with Beth England getting so close to scoring, but they could not equalize.
Spurs have fallen to mid-table, trailing leaders Manchester City, while Arsenal has an FA Cup match against Aston Villa before returning to WSL action against Chelsea in mid-March.
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