Alessia Russo struck twice as Arsenal overcame Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield to climb to seventh in the Women’s Super League.
The England striker opened the scoring after nine minutes, finishing from close range following a lively start from the visitors.
Liverpool responded just six minutes later. Beata Olsson brought down Natalia Ramos’ ball over the defence, escaped Leah Williamson’s challenge and finished to draw the hosts level.
The Reds then thought they had taken the lead when Jenna Clark reacted sharply to poke home following a corner.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside because Vivien Endemann was judged to have touched the ball.
Replays suggested it had instead come off Arsenal defender Steph Catley before reaching Clark.
Arsenal regained their advantage shortly before half-time, with Russo directing a downward header into the bottom corner from Lisa Baum’s accurate delivery.
Russo almost completed her hat-trick in the 72nd minute, but Clark made a crucial intervention to prevent another close-range finish.
Liverpool continued to threaten, with Cornelia Kapocs and Mao Itamura both trying to find an equaliser, but Arsenal held on for their third league victory of the campaign.
The defeat leaves Liverpool 11th and extends their winless league run to five matches.
Russo’s scoring form gives Arsenal a timely boost
Russo once again proved decisive for Renee Slegers’ side, taking her tally to seven goals in her past four appearances across all competitions.
Arsenal began with greater urgency than in their previous three league outings.
Baum saw an effort deflected against the crossbar before Russo made their early pressure count.
Although Liverpool provided a stern test, the Gunners did enough to secure a valuable win ahead of important fixtures against Barcelona, London City Lionesses and Lyon.
The result also marked Arsenal’s 22nd WSL victory over Liverpool, alongside two draws and four defeats.
No team has recorded more wins against a single opponent in the competition.
Liverpool will look to end their difficult run when they visit Brighton next weekend.
