Arsenal bounced back from their FA Cup quarter-final exit with a composed 3-1 victory over Everton at Walton Hall Park, moving into second place in the Women’s Super League.
Alessia Russo scored twice, with an own goal from Maren Mjelde securing the points for Renée Slegers’ side.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Alessia Russo of Arsenal scores hers team's first goal as Martina Fernandez of Everton attempts to block during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Walton Hall Park on March 14, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
A strong response after FA Cup disappointment
After their FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Liverpool, Slegers demanded a reaction from her squad, and she got one. “It was a very important result, especially after a performance and result that we weren’t happy with last Sunday,” said Slegers.
“I’m very happy with the way that we came back, how we got together and performed. I think we looked like ourselves today.”
Arsenal started brightly and took the lead in the 24th minute when Mariona Caldentey played a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Kim Little, whose low cross found Russo for a close-range finish and her 14th of the season.
However, Arsenal failed to build on their early advantage, and Toni Payne punished them 10 minutes later, bundling home after a chaotic goalmouth scramble.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Walton Hall Park on March 14, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
The second half saw Arsenal regain control, and Slegers’ substitutions made the difference.
Beth Mead, Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord, and Kyra Cooney-Cross were all introduced just past the hour mark, and within minutes, Arsenal were back in front.
Emily Fox’s low cross caused panic in the Everton defence, with Mjelde turning the ball into her own net under pressure from Foord.
From there, Arsenal dominated.
Steph Catley struck the woodwork twice, and only some fine goalkeeping from Courtney Brosnan kept the scoreline respectable.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Chloe Kelly of Arsenal in action during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Walton Hall Park on March 14, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
With Everton pressing forward late on, Mead slipped a pass through to Russo, who rounded the goalkeeper and finished calmly in the 89th minute to seal the win.
After the match, Russo, who now has 15 goals this season, praised the team’s response: “Yeah, it was important to get three points. We were really disappointed last weekend, so I think it was a really good reaction from everyone. From start to finish, we were dominant.”
Champions League focus turns to Real Madrid
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Renee Slegers, Manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to the Barclays Women's Super League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Walton Hall Park on March 14, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
With Arsenal now second in the WSL, attention shifts to the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid.
“It’s super important,” said Slegers. “Now we’re going to go into the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, and that’s where we want to be.”
For Russo, Tuesday’s match represents a personal milestone. “I can’t wait. Champions League nights are what I dreamed of as a kid, so I am so excited.”
Arsenal will now look to carry their domestic form into Europe as they prepare for the first leg at Meadow Park.
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