Alessia Russo’s remarkable first-half hat-trick for Arsenal, scored within just 22 minutes during the north London derby, demonstrates her ability to “step up” at a pivotal moment in the season, according to manager Renee Slegers.
Slegers commended the England forward’s growth in maturity after she played a key role in leading the Gunners to a 5-2 victory against Tottenham in the Women’s Super League.
“In training, she’s been more communicative and vocal, helping to drive the team forward. It’s clear that she’s taken on more responsibility,” Slegers shared with Sky Sports.
“She’s now part of Arsenal’s leadership group. Alessia always strives to bring her best self to the pitch while remaining humble. It’s fantastic to witness her development.”
In the pressure of a local derby, Russo’s dynamic performance quickly subdued Tottenham’s threat, scoring her first goal within five minutes and adding two more before the half-hour mark to essentially secure the win.
Player of the Match Russo reflected on her success, saying, “I love scoring goals, and doing it here at the Emirates during a north London derby feels amazing. These three points are vital as we look ahead in the season.”
This win, alongside Manchester United’s heavy loss to Manchester City earlier on Saturday, positions the Gunners favorably in the race for next season’s Champions League.
With three games remaining, Arsenal is in second place, ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United, and holds two games in hand.
Captain Kim Little, celebrating her 400th appearance, lauded Russo for evolving into one of the team’s leaders since her arrival in 2023. “This year, she’s truly embraced leadership, and that has enhanced her game even further,” Little remarked. “She consistently performs well and takes on responsibility effectively, which is inspiring.”
While United struggled with scoring in their recent matches, Arsenal scored 10 goals across two games to improve their goal difference significantly, with Russo contributing four of those.
Now sitting third in the Women’s Super League scoring charts with nine goals and four assists from 18 appearances, Russo has a goal contribution every 1.38 games.
‘I’ll play anywhere – I don’t care’
Alessia Russo’s hat-trick against Tottenham was her first since joining Arsenal in 2023 [Getty Images]
Despite ongoing discussions about Russo’s optimal position within the team, she has proven her ability to score regardless of her role.
Post-match, she stated, “I’ve gotten a better grasp of the No. 10 role, which makes things easier for me. Understanding my responsibilities off the ball is crucial, as it’s a significant position in the team. I enjoy both roles on the ball because they highlight various aspects of my game. I’m willing to play anywhere.”
In the match against Spurs, Russo demonstrated her striking talent, scoring with a precise header, a smart run followed by rounding the goalkeeper for her second, and capitalizing on a defensive mistake for the third—three clear chances, three goals—truly elite performance.
This season, she has been exceptional in the Champions League as well, with eight goals and two assists in just nine games, leading the scoring charts ahead of players like Pernille Harder and Alexia Putellas.
After sharing the WSL Golden Boot with Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw last season, where she netted 12 goals in 21 appearances, Russo is now at the forefront of the Gunners’ scoring with nine goals this season, five of which have occurred since the new year.
As the chase for Europe’s qualification intensifies, Russo’s scoring proficiency comes at just the right moment.
[BBC Sport]
[BBC]
Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie return for a new season of the Women’s Football Weekly podcast. New episodes are available every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, along with interviews and additional content from the Women’s Super League and more.