Alessia Russo marked her 100th Women's Super League appearance in style with a goal and an impressive showing as Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners over Everton on Saturday. Katie McCabe and Olivia Smith were also on target in a dominant win for the Gunners, who also received another boost as Lionesses star Leah Williamson made her long-awaited return from injury late on in the game.
A dramatic start to the game brought plenty of chances for both sides and three goals inside the opening 15 minutes. McCabe opened the scoring in glorious fashion with a brilliant shot from the edge of the box that flew across goal and past the dive of goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.
Arsenal's celebrations didn't last long as Everton levelled almost immediately. Some careless play from Mariona Caldentey as Arsenal tried to play out from the back gifted Everton possession in a dangerous area. The ball was played through to Honoka Hayashi who had all the time in the world to curl a sensational strike home to make it 1-1.
Yet minutes later, Arsenal were ahead once again. A wayward Kim Little shot was touched goalwards by Russo and clawed away by Brosnan with a desperate dive. Caitlin Foord fired the loose ball into the back of the net, but the goal was subsequently given to Russo after it was confirmed it had previously crossed the line.
Arsenal went on to dominate possession but struggled to create more clear-cut chances with Ruby Mace putting in an impressive showing for the hosts. Renee Slegers sent on Olivia Smith and Stina Blackstenius in the second half in a bid to find that all-important third goal and it was the former Liverpool star who sealed the win late on. A hopeful ball forward saw Smith control the ball with her first touch and then smash a volley past Brosnan to complete the victory.
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