Last week could have been one to forget for Arsenal. Firstly, they were knocked out of the Women’s Champions League after losing their semi-final to Lyon.
Then, Manchester City were crowned WSL champions after The Gunners failed to beat Brighton in a midweek fixture.
But an Alessia Russo brace against struggling Aston Villa gave fans something to cheer about on Saturday, with the club now guaranteed a Champions League spot for next season.
How Arsenal Secured their Champions League Spot
Russo was at her brilliant best at Villa Park, opening the scoring with a close-range header in just the fourth minute after Villa goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo flapped at a cross.
She then produced a moment of outrageous skill to set up Frida Maanum to make it 2-0, before rounding D’Angelo to slot in her second – and Arsenal’s third – in the 52nd minute.
It means Russo has now reached double figures in the WSL for the fourth successive season.
What Does This Mean for Arsenal?
The win moves Arsenal to within a point of second-placed Chelsea. And with a game in hand, Renee Slegers’ side is now well placed to secure automatic progression to the Women’s Champions League group stages, meaning they’d avoid having to navigate qualifying rounds.
“Champions League is the bare minimum to achieve at Arsenal,” boss Renee Slegers told Sky Sports. “I am happy we are there, but we want to finish second.”
They will have the chance to close that gap on Chelsea when they host Everton on Wednesday evening, before wrapping up their season at Liverpool the following Saturday.
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