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Russo scores twice as Arsenal beat Liverpool
Arsenal striker Alessia Russo celebrates scoring against Liverpool in the Women's Super League
Image caption, Alessia Russo has scored five goals in the Women's Super League this season
Marissa Thomas

BBC Sport journalist

Alessia Russo scored twice as Arsenal beat Liverpool at Anfield in the Women's Super League.

The England forward slotted home from close range after nine minutes.

Arsenal's lead only lasted six minutes as Beata Olsson controlled a ball over the top from Natalia Ramos and evaded the challenge of Leah Williamson before scoring.

Liverpool had a second goal disallowed when Jenna Clark reacted quickest to prod home from a corner. An offside decision was made as Vivien Endemann was adjudged to have touched the ball but replays showed it was Arsenal defender Steph Catley who knocked it in Clark's direction.

Russo put the Gunners back in front just before the break with a downward header into the bottom corner after a pinpoint cross from Lisa Baum.

Clark got a vital touch to stop Russo converting from close range for her hat-trick in the 72nd minute.

The result means Arsenal move up to sixth in the table, while Liverpool remain 11th.

Analysis: Russo to the rescue again

Russo made it seven goals in her last four games, in all competitions, with her double against Liverpool.

For the first time in four league games, Renee Slegers' side made a bright start and went ahead as Baum had a shot deflected on to the crossbar before Russo opened the scoring.

A third league win of the season comes at a good time for Arsenal with three crucial matches coming up against Barcelona, London City Lionesses and Lyon.

They were pushed hard by Liverpool, who were unable to find a second equaliser despite efforts from Cornelia Kapocs and Mao Itamura.

The Gunners have now won 22 WSL games against Liverpool (D2 L4), the most victories any team has over a single opponent in the competition.

The Reds, who are now winless in their last five league games, travel to Brighton next weekend.

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