Russo Milestone Caps Arsenal’s Wild Win at Everton
Arsenal’s Women’s Super League momentum continued on Merseyside, but not without a dose of early mayhem. A frantic opening quarter hour set the tone before Alessia Russo marked a personal landmark and Olivia Smith sealed a 3-1 win that underlined the Gunners’ growing edge in tight away fixtures.
The visitors struck first, were pegged back almost instantly, then surged ahead again in a breathless spell that decided the contest long before the final whistle. By the time Smith’s late strike hit the net, Arsenal had already done the hard work.
Arsenal arrived at Walton Hall Park knowing consistency has been their missing ingredient this season. Back-to-back league wins are still rare currency in the WSL title race, and with rivals circling, every point carries added weight. Jonas Eidevall’s side showed both their attacking punch and their occasional defensive vulnerability in a match that swung violently in its opening minutes.
Katie McCabe set the chaos in motion in the 11th minute. Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan had just produced a sharp stop to deny Mariona Caldentey, only for the ball to break kindly to McCabe on the edge of the area. The Arsenal captain did not hesitate, smashing a looping effort that dropped perfectly into the bottom corner.
Everton’s response was immediate and emphatic. Two minutes later, Honoka Hayashi picked her spot from a distance, unleashing a dipping strike that beat Anneke Borbe and brought the home crowd to life. It was a reminder of Everton’s threat in transition and their willingness to shoot early.
The drama was not finished. Arsenal regained the lead in the 15th minute in circumstances that summed up the afternoon. Russo chested a chance goalwards, Brosnan got down to save, and the rebound was volleyed home in the scramble. After a brief pause, the goal was credited to Russo, confirmation that her initial effort had crossed the line. It was a fitting moment on her 100th WSL appearance, even if it came in unconventional fashion.
Russo’s influence did not stop there. The England forward twice went close to extending the lead before the break, first forcing a low save from Brosnan and then glancing a header just wide. Arsenal were creating chances with relative ease, but Everton remained within touching distance.
The second half slowed into a more cautious battle. Caldentey tested Brosnan with a low drive, Beth Mead tried her luck from range, and Everton looked to frustrate rather than chase recklessly. The match felt poised, with Arsenal aware that a single lapse could undo their early dominance.
One of the louder cheers of the afternoon arrived in the 82nd minute when Leah Williamson stepped onto the pitch. Making her first appearance since featuring for England in the European Championship final, the Arsenal captain’s brief cameo was less about impact and more about symbolism. Her return adds another layer to Arsenal’s season as they navigate a crowded calendar.
The decisive blow arrived late. In the 87th minute, Smith picked up the ball outside the box and produced a stunning strike that bounced into the corner, a finish full of confidence and composure. Any lingering Everton hopes vanished, even if Russo still had time to rattle the crossbar in stoppage time.
For Arsenal, this was a win built on attacking quality and timely moments rather than total control. Six league victories now sit on the board, but the bigger takeaway is the growing habit of getting the job done on the road. The questions ahead are obvious. Can they tighten up defensively without losing their edge going forward? And with key players returning, is this the point where their season truly gathers pace?
What is clear is that Arsenal are finding ways to win, even on afternoons that threaten to spiral into chaos. In the WSL title race, that skill may prove decisive.