Key Highlights
- Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius starred as Arsenal won 4-1 against Leicester City.
- Russo opened the scoring before Sari Kees turned for Leicester to equalize.
- Blackstenius scored twice, including a powerful finish into the roof of the net.
- Noemie Mouchon pulled one back for Leicester in stoppage time.
Arsenal’s Ruthless Performance Ensures Third Consecutive Win
In a thrilling display of football, Arsenal F.C. secured their third straight victory across all competitions by defeating Leicester City WFC 4-1 at the King Power Stadium. The Women’s Super League (WSL) match highlighted the resurgence in form for the Gunners under head coach Renee Slegers.
Russo and Blackstenius Showcase Partnership
The match began with Alessia Russo making an immediate impact as she converted a close-range opportunity, breaking her goal drought from four previous WSL games. This was swiftly followed by Leicester defender Sari Kees inadvertently turning the ball into her own net, providing Arsenal with a 2-0 lead early in the first half.
Stina Blackstenius then found her stride, scoring twice and setting up another for Arsenal. Her second goal, a powerful finish into the roof of the net after receiving a cross from Beth Mead following a slick team move involving Mariona Caldentey, was particularly noteworthy.
Leicester’s Brief Respite
The Foxes managed to pull one back in the latter stages of the match when substitute Noemie Mouchon scored an impressive solo effort. However, this goal came just a minute before Blackstenius struck her second goal with another trademark run in behind the defence.
Strength in Depth and Upcoming Challenges
Arsenal’s victory comes as part of their revival after an early-season dip. Head coach Renee Slegers expressed satisfaction with how well Russo and Blackstenius complemented each other, stating, “Both of them usually play as the nine, but they are different nines with different qualities. Today they complemented each other well and played their roles in an excellent way.” Despite facing several injuries, Arsenal demonstrated depth within their squad.
Slegers also highlighted the importance of readiness: “We need everyone in the squad.
We have to make sure that as a team and a squad we are always ready whoever it is from the start. A good example is Laia Codina. She came on against Benfica, but those were her first minutes, then she played 90 today.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Arsenal’s next match will see them host Chelsea in the WSL on Saturday at 12:30 GMT, while Leicester travel to West Ham on 9 November at 12:00. Arsenal remains fifth in the table, five points behind leaders Chelsea, while Leicester slips to third from bottom.
The performance of both teams sets the stage for an intense period ahead as Arsenal face key fixtures against Bayern Munich, Tottenham, and Real Madrid within an 11-day window that could define their season.
