Football May 30, 2026

Liverpool 1-3 Arsenal: Alessia Russo nets double as Gunners secure second place Women's Super League finish

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Liverpool 1-3 Arsenal: Alessia Russo nets double as Gunners secure second place Women's Super League finish

Alessia Russo scored twice on the final day of the WSL season as Arsenal secured a second-place finish with a 3-1 win at Liverpool.

While the Gunners were unable to take the title race to the final day, they were on course to finish behind Manchester City to clinch an automatic spot in the Women's Champions League.

And had it not been for some inspired first half goalkeeping from Jennifer Falk, the Gunners could have been closing in on a big number.

It took until the 21st minute for the Liverpool stopper to be beaten with Russo's first goal of the game. She lifted her head up to look for Stina Blackstenius, before swinging the ball in. But despite her team-mate rising, the ball skimmed over her head before slipping through Falk's legs.

After more Arsenal pressure, the visitors added another just after the half an hour. It was a wonderful short corner routine from Mariona Caldentey and Katie McCabe - making her final Gunners appearance - before the former fired home on a tight angle.

Soon after, Arsenal were threatening to run away with the game as Russo added the third. Victoria Pelova - making her own bow as a Gunner - sent an inviting ball through the area from the right. It found her team-mate on the other side of the area, with Russo sweeping home her 12th league goal of the season.

Liverpool did better in restricting Arsenal's chances after the break, with Falk not worked as much. They even gave themselves a lifeline as teenager Zara Shaw scrambled home from the Reds' first corner of the game in front of The Kop.

But the second half was largely dedicated to farewells for departing players on both sides, including McCabe, Beth Mead Gemma Bonner and Gemma Evans, who were all offered their own opportunities to say goodbye to their respective fans.

Arsenal finish four points behind Man City in second, while Liverpool - after a horrendous start to the season - finish in 11th place, eight points ahead of Leicester at the bottom.

Arsenal's Katie McCabe to Your Site: "It was an honour to captain the side for the last time. I just enjoyed every second of it, my team talk was to enjoy it and to play the Arsenal way.

"We did that today, we played with smiles on our faces and I'm delighted I could end it with a win for the team.

"When I was leading the girls out, it was like I was at an Ireland game! It's amazing, the fans have been incredible for the whole 10 years I've been here. We've built this club up together, we've had success together and I'm going to miss being a part of it."

Tags:

football report

Share this article

Related Posts

Tottenham transfers news: Spurs edging close to signing Marcos Senesi and hopeful of move for Andy Robertson

Tottenham transfers news: Spurs edging close to signing Marcos Senesi and hopeful of move for Andy Robertson

Marcos Senesi is edging closer to a move to Tottenham after positive talks this week.The 29-year-old is available on a free transfer after a four-seas...

World Sevens Football fixtures, schedule, teams and how to watch live on Sky Sports

World Sevens Football fixtures, schedule, teams and how to watch live on Sky Sports

The World Sevens Football tournament begins on Thursday, live on Your Site, with eight WSL and WSL2 teams taking part. From the teams to the fixture s...

Mikel Arteta new contract: Arsenal owners optimistic of tying manager to new deal after Premier League win

Mikel Arteta new contract: Arsenal owners optimistic of tying manager to new deal after Premier League win

Arsenal's owners the Kroenke family have confirmed plans to offer manager Mikel Arteta a new contract as an "utmost priority".Arteta's current terms a...

Arsenal transfer news: Barcelona weigh up approach for Premier League title-winning defender Piero Hincapie - Paper Talk

Arsenal transfer news: Barcelona weigh up approach for Premier League title-winning defender Piero Hincapie - Paper Talk

The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday's newspapers...Barcelona are weighing up an approach for Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie but recognis...

World Cup 2026 news and live updates - USA, Canada and Mexico build-up plus latest on Trump, tickets and fans

World Cup 2026 news and live updates - USA, Canada and Mexico build-up plus latest on Trump, tickets and fans

'He would get Liverpool fans' - Iraola installed as favourite to replace SlotFull story: Slot sacked by LiverpoolArne Slot has been sacked as head coa...

Scottish football VAR Review: Scottish Premiership, League Cup, Scottish Cup decisions analysed

Scottish football VAR Review: Scottish Premiership, League Cup, Scottish Cup decisions analysed

'He would get Liverpool fans' - Iraola installed as favourite to replace SlotFull story: Slot sacked by LiverpoolArne Slot has been sacked as head coa...