Two goals from Alessia Russo helped Arsenal claim a 3-1 win at Vålerenga in the Women’s Champions League to take a big step towards securing top spot in Group C.
The Gunners were already guaranteed a quarter-final berth after a narrow victory at home to Juventus last month, but knew three points in Norway would keep alive the prospect of beating current leaders Bayern Munich to first position in the group.
First-half goals by Russo and Frida Maanum put Renée Slegers’ side in control before England forward Russo grabbed a second after the break to set up an eagerly anticipated clash at home to Bayern next week.
Arsenal interim boss Slegers, who has impressively steadied the ship after she stepped up to take over from Jonas Eidevall in October, made five changes from last weekend’s win over Aston Villa. Full-back Katie Reid was handed a full debut and Manuela Zinsberger returned in goal but made a sloppy start.
Zinsberger’s poor pass out created an early opportunity for Olaug Tvedten, who could only fire a tame effort straight at the Arsenal goalkeeper.
The Women’s Super League outfit settled afterwards, but despite plenty of possession had failed to produce a single shot on target until Russo broke the deadlock in the 25th minute.
Quick feet by Maanum allowed her to run at the Vålerenga defence before she found Russo, and the former Manchester United attacker brilliantly curled into the bottom corner.
It was 2-0 with eight minutes of the first half left when Caitlin Foord cut back for Maanum to score on her return to Oslo, having started her career at Vålerenga’s rivals Lyn. Arsenal were given a moment of concern before half-time when Russo was caught by a late challenge from Saedis Heidarsdottir and required treatment as her teammates walked off.
However, Russo emerged for the second period and grabbed a superb second after 58 minutes. After Arsenal played out from the back, Foord produced more fine work out wide and crossed in for Russo to volley in for her fourth goal in the competition.
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There was still time for Stina Blackstenius to hit the post before Vålerenga finished strongly and claimed a consolation with five minutes left when Tilde Lindwall drilled in from Janni Thomsen’s cross.
It was Arsenal’s night, though, as they earned an eighth win in nine under Slegers ahead of Wednesday’s visit of Bayern, who are one point ahead of the English club following a 4-0 triumph over Juventus.
