Arsenal secured their 11th consecutive victory in all competitions with a confident 5-2 win over Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening. Alessia Russo scored a 22-minute hat-trick to put her side in firm control at the break while Caitlin Foord and Stina Blackstenius added more in the second half.
It was a devastating first-half performance from Russo, who has enjoyed an eye-catching week in front of goal. Her three in the latest edition of the north London derby took her tally to five in the last eight days, a week in which Arsenal have won all three matches they have been involved in.
It is just the latest evidence of the impressive run of form the England international has been enjoying this season despite oscillating between the 9 and 10 roles. The 27-year-old has 25 goal contributions in 31 games this campaign and has moved to fourth in the Women’s Super League scoring charts.
On this occasion, she was charged with leading the line as Blackstenius dropped to the bench. She proved a nightmare for the Spurs defence, who were unable to handle her aerial ability or direct running between the lines.
It was the second time in two matches that Tottenham have suffered from a slow start and Martin Ho had talked about the need to not give their opposition “45 minutes of free football”. It will have been frustrating, therefore, to watch his side concede twice in the opening 10.
