Alessia Russo scored twice on the final day of the WSL season as Arsenal secured a second-place finish with a 3-1 win at Liverpool.
While the Gunners were unable to take the title race to the final day, they were on course to finish behind Manchester City to clinch an automatic spot in the Women’s Champions League.
And had it not been for some inspired first half goalkeeping from Jennifer Falk, the Gunners could have been closing in on a big number.
It took until the 21st minute for the Liverpool stopper to be beaten with Russo’s first goal of the game. She lifted her head up to look for Stina Blackstenius, before swinging the ball in. But despite her team-mate rising, the ball skimmed over her head before slipping through Falk’s legs.
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Alessia Russo’s cross-turned-shot gave Arsenal a first half lead against Liverpool during their final WSL match of the season.
After more Arsenal pressure, the visitors added another just after the half an hour. It was a wonderful short corner routine from Mariona Caldentey and Katie McCabe – making her final Gunners appearance – before the former fired home on a tight angle.
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Mariona Caldentey finished off a clever corner routine as Arsenal moved 2-0 ahead against Liverpool.
Soon after, Arsenal were threatening to run away with the game as Russo added the third. Victoria Pelova – making her own bow as a Gunner – sent an inviting ball through the area from the right. It found her team-mate on the other side of the area, with Russo sweeping home her 12th league goal of the season.
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Alessia Russo got her second of the game as Arsenal raced into a 3-0 lead inside 37 minutes against Liverpool.
Liverpool did better in restricting Arsenal’s chances after the break, with Falk not worked as much. They even gave themselves a lifeline as teenager Zara Shaw scrambled home from the Reds’ first corner of the game in front of The Kop.
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Zara Shaw scored in front of the Kop as Liverpool pulled one back against Arsenal.
But the second half was largely dedicated to farewells for departing players on both sides, including McCabe, Beth Mead Gemma Bonner and Gemma Evans, who were all offered their own opportunities to say goodbye to their respective fans.
Arsenal finish four points behind Man City in second, while Liverpool – after a horrendous start to the season – finish in 11th place, eight points ahead of Leicester at the bottom.
