Alessia Russo hit a superb first-half hat-trick as Arsenal swept aside north London rivals Tottenham to climb into second place in the Women’s Super League. The England striker struck twice inside the opening seven minutes at the Emirates, heading home from a corner before rounding the goalkeeper and finishing calmly to put the hosts firmly in control.
Tottenham briefly threatened a response when Frida Maanum turned the ball into her own net under pressure, but Arsenal quickly regained their two-goal cushion. A loose pass from goalkeeper Lize Kop fell straight to Russo, who hammered home from 15 yards to complete her first hat-trick for the club and effectively put the game beyond doubt before the break.
Caitlin Foord added a fourth just after the hour with a composed finish, while Beth England’s powerful late strike offered Spurs a moment of hope. However, Arsenal had the final word as Stina Blackstenius broke clear in stoppage time to slot home a fifth and cap a dominant display.
The win completes an outstanding week for Renée Slegers’ side following their Champions League victory over Chelsea, and extends their winning run to 11 matches in all competitions. Arsenal move above both Chelsea and Manchester United in the table and, while leaders Manchester City remain some distance ahead, the Gunners are well placed in the race for European qualification.
We were fortunate enough to have Ali Habib on hand to capture the action.
