Alessia Russo scored twice on the final day of the Women’s Super League as Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-1 to secure second place. The victory ensures the Gunners finish four points behind Manchester City and clinch an automatic spot in next season’s Women’s Champions League.
Arsenal threatened from the start but were kept in check early by Liverpool goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, whose first-half saves prevented the scoreline becoming more one-sided. The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute when Russo’s whipped effort — played across the box as she looked for Stina Blackstenius — slipped through Falk’s legs to give Arsenal the lead.
Arsenal doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark. A clever short-corner routine between Mariona Caldentey and Katie McCabe (making her final appearance for the club) freed Caldentey to finish from a tight angle. The Gunners’ pressure continued and, before half-time, Russo added a third. Victoria Pelova, making her debut as an Arsenal player, threaded a ball into the area and Russo swept home her 12th league goal of the season to make it 3-0 inside 37 minutes.
Liverpool regrouped after the break and limited Arsenal’s opportunities, but they did pull a goal back to give the Kop something to cheer. Teenager Zara Shaw bundled home from Liverpool’s first corner of the game to make it 3-1 and spark a lively atmosphere in the home end.
The remainder of the match was quieter on the pitch as both clubs used the occasion to mark departing players. Farewells were offered to a number of names, including Katie McCabe, Beth Mead, Gemma Bonner and Gemma Evans, who each had moments to acknowledge their fans.
Arsenal finish the season in second, four points adrift of Man City. Liverpool recover from a difficult start to end the campaign in 11th place, eight points clear of bottom club Leicester.