Alessia Russo netted her first WSL goal for Arsenal as the Gunners came from behind to beat Aston Villa. Maz Pacheco’s free header gave the visitors the lead in the 25th minute from Lucy Staniforth’s corner, and Arsenal had to wait until the 92nd minute to equalise through Katie McCabe’s powerful strike. 

Beth Mead returned to action after her ACL injury and was on hand to set up Alessia Russo’s winning goal in the 94th minute, moments after Stina Blackstenius had hit the post.

Player ratings:

Manu Zinsberger 5.5/10

A beneficiary of Sabrina D’Angelo’s costly mistake against Manchester United, with no lack of scrutiny on either goalkeeper. Nothing she could have done about Pacheco’s powerful header.

Lotte Wubben-Moy 6/10

Replaced Jen Beattie in the Arsenal defence and pocketed Rachel Daly in a mature display. A crucial late tackle to deny Salmon, which the childhood Gunner celebrated vividly.

Steph Catley 5.5/10

Started at left back in a back four, then coming in on the left of a three when Arsenal switched to a five.

Kim Little (C) 6.5/10

Made some key interceptions and tried to galvanise her side. Named Player of the Match by the AWFC Supporters Club.

Frida Maanum 5/10

Forced into wide areas to try and get into the game, similarly to the defeat to Liverpool. Replaced by Lacasse with half an hour remaining.

Lia Walti 6/10

Displayed her fine range of passing and won most of her duels.

Katie McCabe 7/10

Pushed forward on the right of Arsenal’s front three and found the top corner with a stunning strike to equalise at the start of added time.

Noelle Maritz 5.5/10

Able to get in behind at times with her forward runs.

Caitlin Foord 7/10

A great exponent of the low, drilled cross across goal. So unlucky to hit the post in the 66th minute after a clever turn past her marker.

Alessia Russo 7.5/10

Marshalled closely by the Villa defenders, caused problems in the air at set pieces. Should have found Arsenal’s equaliser but couldn’t get the ball under control just a yard away from goal after Foord hit the post. Scored the winner for the Gunners, finding the bottom corner past van Domselaar for her first WSL goal for Arsenal!

Amanda Ilestedt 5/10

The tallest player on the pitch flew into a header to try and clear from Daly’s corner, missing the ball completely to allow Pacheco to head home.

Cloe Lacasse (Sub, 63’) 5.5/10

Most effective driving in towards the box from the touchline rather than when she looked to cross repeatedly.

Victoria Pelova (Sub, 63’) 6/10

Impacted the game well and assisted McCabe’s screamer with a well weighted pass after winning the ball back earlier in the move.

Stina Blackstenius (Sub, 76’)

Hit the post moments after McCabe equalised.

Beth Mead (Sub, 87’)

Returned to action after 11 months on the sidelines, and assisted Russo’s winner! An incredible moment for the Arsenal and England icon.

Subs not used: Sabrina D’Angelo, Jen Beattie, Laia Codina, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Kathrine Kuhl.