Arsenal stormed to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates, a result that sees the Gunners leapfrog Brighton in the Women’s Super League table.
Brighton succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against league leaders Chelsea, while Manchester City kept pace with a 4-0 win over Leicester City.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Alessia Russo of Arsenal scores her team's fourth goal past Sabrina D Angelo of Aston Villa during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
A brace from Alessia Russo, another from Beth Mead, and a late goal by Stina Blackstenius secured the win for Arsenal, who looked commanding in all areas of the pitch. The performance underlined the positive impact of head coach Renee Slegers, whose steadying influence and tactical adjustments have transformed the team.
The Gunners’ recent resurgence has been anchored by a consistent starting XI, but this game presented a test of their adaptability. With Kim Little and Lia Wälti unavailable, Slegers introduced a new double pivot of Kyra Cooney-Cross and Mariona Caldentey. The pairing proved highly effective, delivering balance and attacking impetus, as Caldentey’s forward drives provided a creative edge lacking in previous games.
Team selection and contributions
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Katie McCabe of Arsenal clashes with Noelle Maritz of Aston Villa during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Arsenal’s starting XI featured Daphne van Domselaar in goal, with a backline of Katie McCabe, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, and Anna Patten. Cooney-Cross and Caldentey formed the midfield pivot, supporting an attacking quartet of Mead, Frida Maanum, Caitlin Foord, and Russo.
The adjustments paid off handsomely. Russo capitalised on her chances with two clinical finishes, while Mead’s goal demonstrated her sharpness in front of goal. Blackstenius, a regular impact substitute, added gloss to the scoreline, continuing her knack for late-game contributions.
Substitutions were well-judged, with Lotte Wubben-Moy replacing Anna Fox at half-time to manage fitness and provide game time for the England international. Blackstenius, Lina Hurtig, Laura Wienroither, and Kathrine Kühl all made appearances, with the Austrian right-back returning from a long injury layoff. Kühl’s cameo, though brief, was a positive sign amid Arsenal’s midfield injury challenges.
Ruthless in the final third
One of Arsenal’s biggest struggles earlier this season was inefficiency in the final third, a hangover from last season. However, the tide has turned dramatically under Slegers, with 24 goals scored in the last eight games—double their tally from the opening eight matches, excluding the 6-0 rout of Rangers.
Speaking to Daily Cannon after the game, Russo credited a shift in mentality and training methods for the newfound clinical edge: “I can’t pinpoint anything to be honest, I think we are being more clinical and ruthless at the moment. We are doing a lot of finishing in training, which is fun for me. We are playing with confidence and feel good as a team. I think when the players are feeling good, you get this kind of results.”
Slegers echoed these sentiments in her post-match press conference, revealing the impact of Kelly Smith’s work with the forwards. “On training, we worked specifically with the forwards. We have Kelly Smith with us, and we spent a little bit more time working on finishing specifically with the forwards in their roles,” Slegers said.
Looking ahead
Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where Arsenal will face Vålerenga away. With qualification already in the bag, the focus will be on securing a result to stay within reach of group leaders FC Bayern, who sit one point ahead. The decisive final group match against Bayern at Meadow Park on 18 December looms large as Arsenal aim to top their group.
Arsenal’s victory over Aston Villa not only boosts their league position but also reinforces their growing confidence and cohesion under Slegers. With momentum on their side, the Gunners look well-positioned to maintain their upward trajectory.
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