Arsenal stored the strain on the Ladies’s Tremendous League’s prime two – Chelsea and Manchester Metropolis – with an vital 1-0 win over Liverpool forward of the winter break.
The Gunners transfer inside a degree of second-placed Man Metropolis, who misplaced to Everton earlier within the day, however nonetheless path leaders Chelsea by seven factors, as Renee Slegers’ unbeaten run as interim boss stretches to 10 video games.
Alessia Russo scored the one purpose of the sport by way of a intelligent nook routine – to reflect their male counterparts’ success from set-pieces – as Katie McCabe’s front-post supply was poorly cleared by Gemma Bonner, permitting Russo to faucet house.
Damage-hit Liverpool had their probabilities however have been equally let off the hook by Arsenal as Mariona Caldentey wasted her alternative from the penalty spot and Frida Maanum ballooned second-half opening over the crossbar.
Russo: Slegers makes me really feel assured
Arsenal striker Alessia Russo:
“Set-plays are an enormous a part of soccer, they will win and lose you video games, so I am actually blissful to attain and get three factors.
“I am feeling good, I play my finest once I’m blissful. We’re discovering good connections on the pitch and Liverpool away is a troublesome sport, so the three factors is most vital.
“[Renee Slegers] has been great, making me feel confident. We know how good we are as a squad and we’re keeping our heads down. We’re happy as a squad, it’s a club decision [whether Slegers makes her interim role permanent], but she’s stepped up and we’re really enjoying it.”
Evaluation: Slegers proving readiness for everlasting function
All of the noises from the Arsenal camp are optimistic, and up to date outcomes again that up. Slegers has accomplished a beautiful job since taking up from Jonas Eidevall in October. Smiles are again on faces and the soccer is equally beaming.
Arsenal’s squad is full of high quality so it’s no shock they’re unbeaten in 10 in all competitions, however the true upturn has been in efficiency.
Slegers informed Sky Sports activities this week that she will not be viewing her function as momentary, and, on proof, nor are her gamers. Fluency has returned, objectives are flowing, and the soccer is entertaining – all issues Arsenal are famend for.
Slegers’ aspect have even taken a leaf out of the Mikel Arteta playbook and grow to be wizards at set-pieces, scoring from a nook once more, predictably by way of Russo. The striker has now scored in 5 consecutive WSL appearances.
You surprise why membership decision-makers are nonetheless hesitating over the head-coach emptiness – as a result of a ready-made substitute is correct underneath their nostril.