Arsenal Women had Alessia Russo to thank once again as the striker scored her fifth WSL goal in a row, with the Gunners beating Liverpool 1-0 in Saint Helens.

Russo’s goal was the difference in a tight, hard-fought encounter which saw Mariona Caldentey hit the post from a penalty.

My questions to Renee Slegers after Arsenal beat Liverpool ?"The fans mean the world, because obviously as a team we came from a difficult time and they kept on backing us, so they have been an important part of where we are at the moment" ?? pic.twitter.com/T7K1tsUlnd

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) December 15, 2024

Player ratings:

Daphne van Domselaar 6.5/10

A sixth straight clean sheet but was very fortunate not to concede after a thoughtless pass out from the back saw Olivia Smith shoot straight at her.

Katie McCabe 7/10

Caused chaos in the box with her low corner that led to Russo’s goal. Almost found her own net when she headed a Liverpool cross back onto her own post. Seemed to relish being booed by the home fans and worked tirelessly.

Steph Catley 8/10

Duelled with Smith and nullified her for the most part, strong in the tackle throughout. Outstanding again at centre-back.

Leah Williamson 7/10

Marshalled the defence well and perhaps should have scored, powering a header wide in the second half from close range.

Emily Fox 6.5/10

Was made to work by Taylor Hinds and Smith but put a shift in at right-back.

Mariona Caldentey 6/10

Had the chance to double Arsenal’s lead but struck her penalty onto the post, despite sending Teaghan Micah the wrong way. Drifted in and out of the game.

Kyra Cooney-Cross 7/10

Kept her place in midfield with Kim Little back on the bench after injury, and delivered another mature display.

Caitlin Foord 6.5/10

Struggled to create many opportunities, but was on the opposite side to where she is usually most effective.

Frida Maanum 6/10

Interchanged well in midfield but missed a couple of clear-cut chances and was replaced before the hour mark.

Beth Mead 6.5/10

Frustrated by a lack of service from her teammates in the first half. Saw a deflected effort come back off the post and worked hard.

Alessia Russo 7.5/10

A poacher’s finish to put Arsenal 1-0 up, and won Mariona’s penalty. Held up the ball effectively as always. Moved into the number ten role for the final half hour.

Stina Blackstenius (Sub, 58’) 5.5/10

Couldn’t get into the game upfront.

Kim Little (Sub, 58’) 6.5/10

Steadied Arsenal’s midfield when the Gunners were under significant pressure from the home side.

Lina Hurtig (Sub, 82’)

Lotte Wubben-Moy (Sub, 90+3)

Subs not used: Manu Zinsberger, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina, Laura Wienroither, Kathrine Kuhl, Rosa Kafaji.