Arsenal claimed an important 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield in the Women’s Super League, thanks to an impressive two-goal performance from England international Alessia Russo. The striker found the net twice to help the Gunners secure their third league victory of the campaign and take all three points from a difficult away fixture.

Russo gave Arsenal an early advantage when she opened the scoring after just nine minutes. She then struck again shortly before the half-time break, restoring her side’s lead after Liverpool had fought their way back into the match. Her two goals ultimately made the difference, as Arsenal had to withstand considerable pressure from the hosts during the second half.

The visitors began the encounter positively and were rewarded with the opening goal through Russo. The forward was well positioned inside the penalty area when Lisa Baum’s attempt took a deflection and struck the crossbar. Russo reacted quickly to the loose ball and converted from close range, putting Arsenal ahead and giving them an encouraging start at Anfield.

Liverpool responded strongly and managed to restore parity six minutes later. Natalia Ramos produced an excellent pass over the top of Arsenal’s defence, allowing Beata Olsson to take control of the ball and advance towards goal. Olsson got beyond Arsenal captain Leah Williamson before calmly finishing her opportunity to make the score 1-1.

The home supporters believed Liverpool had completed their comeback when Jenna Clark found the net following a corner kick. However, their celebrations were interrupted after the referee disallowed the goal for offside, with Vivien Endemann judged to have made contact with the ball during the attacking move.

The decision generated disappointment among Liverpool players and supporters, particularly because subsequent replays appeared to indicate that Arsenal defender Steph Catley had touched the ball before it reached Clark. Nevertheless, the decision stood, meaning Liverpool were unable to take the lead despite their efforts to turn the contest around.

Arsenal took advantage of the opportunity to regain control before the interval. Baum, who had contributed to the opening goal, produced another important attacking moment by delivering a well-placed cross into the Liverpool penalty area. Russo timed her movement effectively and connected with a downward header, directing the ball into the bottom corner. The finish completed her brace and restored Arsenal’s advantage at 2-1 going into half-time.

Liverpool returned for the second half determined to find another equaliser, but Arsenal remained organised and difficult to break down. The visitors defended with discipline, limiting the opportunities available to the home side despite Liverpool's continued attempts to increase the pressure.

Russo nearly extended Arsenal’s lead in the 72nd minute when she came close to completing a hat-trick. However, Clark made an important defensive intervention to stop the striker from scoring from close range, keeping Liverpool within touching distance of the visitors.

The Reds continued searching for a way back into the contest, with Cornelia Kapocs and Mao Itamura among those who attempted to create opportunities. Despite their attacking efforts, Liverpool could not produce the decisive finish required to level the score. Arsenal held firm through the closing stages and protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle.

After the match, Arsenal manager Renee Slegers praised her players for their determination, commitment and defensive effort, particularly during the closing period when Liverpool increased their pressure.

She explained that her team had to defend desperately towards the end, with players throwing themselves in front of Liverpool's attempts to protect the result. Slegers said their passion, pride, character and fighting spirit were crucial in ensuring that Arsenal secured the victory.

The manager also praised Russo’s contribution, describing the striker as a world-class finisher who consistently finds dangerous positions inside the penalty area. She revealed that Russo has now scored seven goals in her last four appearances across all competitions, highlighting the excellent form she is currently enjoying.

The victory moves Arsenal up to seventh position in the WSL table, while Liverpool remain 11th after failing to collect points from the encounter.