Alessia Russo capped off a strong performance for Arsenal as they secured a 4-1 win against Valerenga in the Women’s Champions League. The game marked the beginning of a new era for the Gunners, with interim head coach Renee Slegers at the helm following the sudden resignation of Jonas Eidevall. Arsenal fans, frustrated after a three-game winless run, had been calling for change, and Wednesday’s win might be the spark the team needed.
Eidevall’s exit was a shock for many, but his departure felt inevitable after recent poor form. The team showed signs of revival under Slegers, grabbing an early lead and looking more confident overall.
A Bright Start Under Renee Slegers
With pressure mounting and fans restless, Arsenal had something to prove in their first match without Eidevall. Slegers wasted no time in setting the tone, and her team responded. Emily Fox opened the scoring inside two minutes, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box. The early goal gave the Gunners the boost they desperately needed.
Arsenal’s newfound energy was evident. Caitlin Foord doubled the lead soon after, smashing a rebound into the roof of the net after Beth Mead’s initial effort was saved. The crowd at the Emirates felt the shift.
However, defensive frailties that have plagued Arsenal in recent matches surfaced again. Valerenga pulled one back before halftime when Olaug Tvedten pounced on a defensive error, catching Laia Codina off guard as she attempted to play out from the back.
- Key moments in the first half:
- Emily Fox’s opening goal in the 2nd minute
- Caitlin Foord’s close-range strike
- Olaug Tvedten’s goal for Valerenga, exposing Arsenal’s defensive weaknesses
Despite these lapses, Arsenal’s attacking play looked sharper than in recent weeks, a promising sign for fans eager for improvement.
Alessia Russo Shines as Arsenal’s Leading Star
Though the final scoreline will show a 4-1 victory, the match was far from straightforward for Arsenal, and much of the credit belongs to Alessia Russo. The England forward, who was involved in nearly every Arsenal attack, had a stellar performance that reinforced her importance to the team.
Russo’s work rate was unmatched. She had a goal disallowed for offside early in the first half but remained a constant threat, forcing Valerenga keeper Tove Enblom into multiple saves. Her quality was fully on display when she assisted Mariona Caldentey’s strike, threading a perfect pass that left Valerenga’s defense scrambling.
Finally, in stoppage time, Russo got her deserved goal, calmly slotting the ball through Enblom’s legs to seal the victory.
- Alessia Russo’s contributions:
- Assist for Mariona Caldentey’s goal in the 85th minute
- Clinical finish in stoppage time to make it 4-1
- Multiple chances created, including a disallowed goal
Russo was instrumental throughout and was rightly named the player of the match with an 8.46 rating.
Defensive Concerns Still Linger for the Gunners
While Arsenal’s attacking flair was on full display, defensive issues remain a concern. Laia Codina’s error that led to Valerenga’s goal highlighted vulnerabilities that the team must address moving forward. Arsenal has struggled to maintain consistency at the back, and those issues almost led to an equalizer early in the second half when Valerenga’s Karina Saevik got past Leah Williamson but failed to convert.
Valerenga continued to press after the break, and Arsenal looked shaky at times. Despite this, the Norwegian side couldn’t find the breakthrough, leaving Arsenal to capitalize with two late goals from Caldentey and Russo.
If Arsenal hopes to challenge for titles this season, their defense will need tightening. Slegers acknowledged as much after the game, praising her team for stepping up but noting that the job is far from done.
What Lies Ahead for Arsenal?
With the victory over Valerenga, Arsenal moved up to second place in Group C, trailing Bayern Munich, who continued their perfect start with a win over Juventus. As the Gunners head into their next Women’s Super League match against West Ham, they’ll be looking to build on this momentum. West Ham sits near the bottom of the table, winless this season, presenting an opportunity for Arsenal to secure back-to-back victories.
Slegers has a tough task ahead, balancing the team’s attacking potential with the need for defensive stability. But for now, Arsenal fans can take solace in the fact that their team showed renewed energy and belief under new leadership. The post-Eidevall era may just be what this talented squad needs to rediscover their form and challenge for trophies once more.
