Russo’s Clutch

November 8, 2025

Emirates Stadium, London

The Emirates had the weight of history upon it. Arsenal against Chelsea — not merely a London derby, but the summit of women’s football in England. As VERSUS aptly wrote, this was the Queens of Europe against WSL Royalty. 

Chelsea came unbeaten in twelve league games, leaders of the division, and architects of a dynasty. Six wins in seven, imperious at home and relentless abroad. They hadn’t fallen behind in a WSL game since March. Arsenal hadn’t beaten them since December 2023. But Arsenal arrived chasing momentum — three wins on the spin. 

Slegers made three changes from the side that beat Leicester: Lotte Wubben-Moy returned to partner Catley at centre-back, Emily Fox replaced Taylor Hinds, and Victoria Pelova stepped in for captain Kim Little. Up front, the quartet of Mead, Foord, Blackstenius and Russo remained — the spearhead of Arsenal’s ambition.

Chelsea struck first, swiftly and cruelly. With six minutes gone, Alyssa Thompson — the American prodigy turning 21 only a day prior — received from Kaneryd at the edge of the box and lifted a delicate shot over Daphne van Domselaar. It was her first WSL goal, a £1m signing’s justification written in a single touch.

Arsenal’s reply came in pressure and persistence. Mead’s corner nearly drew an own goal off Cuthbert, and Foord’s runs down the left unsettled Bronze. Caldentey and Russo both tested Hampton, but Chelsea’s composure — and their woodwork — held. At the other end, Van Domselaar’s fingertips denied Macario as the crossbar trembled in sympathy with the crowd.

The second half began as the first: Chelsea pressing high, Arsenal resisting. Then came controversy. In the 52nd minute, Stina Blackstenius rifled the ball into the top corner after Mead’s corner caused chaos in the box. Emirates erupted — until the referee blew for Stina’s handball. Replays showed the ball had struck her hip, not her arm. It was wrongly ruled out.

Momentum shifted with the substitutions. Olivia Smith’s entry brought electricity to the right flank, her dribbles unsettling Charles. Cross after cross flashed through the box; Kelly missed narrowly. Arsenal refused to yield.

Then, in the 87th minute, redemption. Frida Maanum delivered a curling cross to the back post. Alessia Russo met it with a volley that thundered past Hampton. One goal answered by another. Alyssa, then Alessia: one at dawn, one at dusk.

Chelsea still stand atop the league but against a team that rarely concedes, Arsenal stood tall.

Arsenal 1 – 1 Chelsea

(A. Thompson ‘9, A. Russo ‘87)