Arsenal claimed a 5-2 win over rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Women’s Super League on Saturday evening.
Arsenal got off to a dream start as Alessia Russo opened the scoring in the fifth minute. She evaded her marker to bury Katie McCabe’s corner in the net.
Moments later, the England international doubled the Gunners’ lead, rounding goalkeeper Lize Kop before scoring her second.
Russo almost completed her hat-trick in the 16th minute, but this time Kop was equal to the task.
Spurs pulled one back in the 20th minute through Frida Maanum’s own goal.
Russo restored Arsenal’s two-goal cushion before the half-hour mark. She intercepted Kop’s poor pass and slotted home for her hat-trick — her first for the Gunners.
Spurs’ first attempt at goal came shortly after the break, with Cathinka Tandberg sending her effort wide inside the area.
Caitlin Foord added to Arsenal’s tally after the hour mark, striking powerfully past Kop.
Bethany England halved Spurs’ deficit in the 77th minute after goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar let her shot slip through her fingers.
Stina Blackstenius completed the scoring in stoppage-time with a clinical finish as Arsenal ran out 5-2 winners.
Arsenal have now jumped above Chelsea and Manchester United, climbing to second in the Women’s Super League standings.
The Gunners return to action on Wednesday away at Chelsea in the Women’s Champions League quarter-final second leg, with Renee Slegers’ side holding 3-1 advantage from the first leg.