Russo double sees composed Arsenal make it six wins in a row

Arsenal extended their unbeaten start under interim head coach Renee Slegers with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Norwegian champions Valerenga in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. A brace from Alessia Russo and Frida Maanum’s strike ensured that Arsenal kept in touch with Group C leaders Bayern Munich, with just one game to play. The Gunners now have four wins from their five UEFA Women’s Champions League games this season but will need to beat the German champions at home on the final matchday to claim top spot.

Alessia Russo scored twice on her 50th appearance, as Arsenal beat Valerenga in Norway to leave them a point behind Bayern Munich in Group C of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The Gunners made five changes to the starting XI, including a first competitive start for Katie Reid, but performed brilliantly to make it eight wins out of nine in all competitions under their interim head coach Renee Slegers.

Frida Maanum set up Russo’s opener, before she latched on to a low cross from Caitlin Foord to put Arsenal two goals ahead at the break.

Russo then completed the scoring with a fine volley past Enblom in the Valerenga goal, after an excellent cross from Caitlin Foord.

Tilde Lindwall struck a late consolation goal for Valerenga, but it was too little too late for the hosts.

Arsenal face a trip to Liverpool at the weekend in the WSL, before they go head-to-head with Bayern Munich at home on Wednesday, with the winner securing a home quarter-final.

Valerenga face Juventus in matchday six, but are already out of the competition, after picking up just one point from their opening five matches.

Since Jonas Eidevall resigned back in October, Arsenal have picked up eight wins and one draw under interim head coach Renee Slegers.

The Gunners have seem to forgotten their woes earlier in the season and are scoring freely right now, with seven goals in their last two games.

Arsenal have already qualified for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League and have set up a mouth-watering tie with Bayern Munich on matchday six, with a win securing them top spot in Group C.

It remains to be seen whether Slegers will be given the role full time, but she is certainly staking her claim so far.

Russo put on an emphatic display as Arsenal eased past the Norweigan champions. The England international striker produced a brilliant strike to open the scoring for Arsenal, before scoring the Gunners’ third of the night, volleying home Caitlin Foord’s cross. The former Manchester United player now has eight goals in 14 games in all competitions this season.

Valerenga: Enblom 6, Horte 5, Kovacs 5, Olsen 5, Thomsen 4, Vickius 3, Tennebo 4, Heidarsdottir 5, Stolen Godo 3, Saevik 4, Tvedten 4. Subs: Lindwall 8, Enger 5, Arnesen 5, Sesay N/A, Klech N/A.

Arsenal: Zinsberger 7, Reid 7, Wubben-Moy 6, Codina 7, McCabe 8, Cooney-Cross 6, Maanum 9, Caldentey 7, Foord 8, Blackstenius 5, Russo 10*. Subs: Wienroither 5, Hurtig 5, Kafaji 5, Kuhl N/A, Godfrey N/A.

13’ ARSENAL CHANCE! VALERENGA 0-0 ARSENAL

The visitors nearly have the lead. Russo is played in behind the Valerenga defence with an excellent pass, but her cross is intercepted by Tove Enblom in goal.

25’ ARSENAL GOAL! – VALERENGA 0-1 ARSENAL (RUSSO)

The Gunners have the lead and it’s Russo on her 50th appearance for the club! The England international picks the ball up on the left-hand side, before cutting inside and sweeping the ball into the right corner. What a finish that was.

37’ GOAL! VALERENGA 0-2 ARSENAL (MAANUM)

Foord breaks away from the Valerenga defender down the right-hand side and crosses low into Frida Maanum, who slots the ball under the goalkeeper. That seemed very easy for Arsenal.

58’ GOAL! VALERENGA 0-3 ARSENAL (RUSSO)

Russo scores her second of the match to put Arsenal well and truly out of sight! Foord whips in a brilliant cross from the right-hand side and Russo volleys home with a touch of class. What a performance this is from Arsenal.

74’ARSENAL CHANCE! VALERENGA 0-3 ARSENAL

The Gunenrs almost make it four. McCabe produces yet another excellent cross into the box, but Blackstenius can’t convert.

76’ ARSENAL CHANCE! VALERENGA 0-3 ARSENAL

Blackstenius hits the post after going one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the Arsenal striker is adjudged to be offside anyway.

84’ GOAL! VALERENGA 1-3 ARSENAL (LINDWALL)

Valerenga have a consolation goal! The subsitute Tilde Lindwall fires home from inside the box after a brilliant cross from Janni Thomsen.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their nine games under interim head coach Renee Slegers.

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