Arsenal struck before Liverpool settled
Russo opened the scoring in the ninth minute and gave Arsenal an early platform. The visitors pressed Liverpool’s first pass and used quick combinations to reach the area before the home defence could set itself.
Liverpool responded in the 15th minute through Beata Olsson after Natalia Ramos supplied the pass. The equaliser rewarded a more direct spell from the hosts and changed the rhythm, with both teams then finding space during transitions.
Russo restored the lead before half-time
The Women’s Super League fixture took place on 8 November. Russo scored her second goal in the 45th minute, giving Arsenal a 2-1 advantage at the break and forcing Liverpool to chase the match again.
The timing of the goal was important because Liverpool had begun to compete more evenly. Arsenal entered the interval with control of the score despite the hosts’ response to the early setback.
Liverpool pushed without finding a second goal
The home side committed more players forward after the restart and looked for runs beyond Arsenal’s midfield. Arsenal defended the central channel, managed the second balls and avoided giving Liverpool a simple finish.
The match remained close until the end, but Russo’s two precise contributions decided it. Liverpool showed a reaction after falling behind, while Arsenal were more clinical in the moments that reached the penalty area.