UWCL: Alessia Russo on target as Arsenal beat Vålerenga | OneFootball

A strong performance saw Arsenal beat Vålerenga 3-1 on a cold Thursday night in Norway. Goals from Alessia Russo and Frida Maanum keep Arsenal in the race for top spot in the group.

For the hosts, their Champions League dreams are over, having taken just one point from their five group stage games.

Starting XIs

Vålerenga

Enblom; Hørte, Kovacs, Olsen, Thomsen, Vickius, Tennebø, Heiðarsdóttir, Godø, Sævik, Tvedten.

Arsenal

Zinsberger; McCabe, Codina, Wubben-Moy, Reid, Cooney-Cross, Maanum, Mariona, Russo, Blackstenius, Foord.

Alessia Russo marks 50th Arsenal appearance with a goal

Despite early pressure from Arsenal, Vålerenga had the first shot at goal. A misplaced kick from Manuela Zinsberger fell to Olaug Tvedten, her effort however was straight into the hands of the Austrian keeper.

In the 25th minute, the Gunners took a well-deserved lead. Quick footwork from Frida Maanum found Alessia Russo in acres of space on the left-hand side. The No.23 cut inside and curled her effort into the bottom corner. Barely ten minutes later, Caitlin Foord’s cross set up Maanum, who tapped it home in the 37th minute to double the lead.

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The second-half followed the pattern of the first, with Arsenal dominating the ball and having the majority of the chances. A magnificent solo run by Foord rewarded her a second assist in the 58th minute after her cross was fired home by Russo. Moments later, the Lioness was denied her first Arsenal hattrick after a sharp stop by Tove Enblom.

Zinsberger – who had little to do following her early save – was unable to keep out Tilde Lindwall’s powerful shot. The Gunners will be disappointed not having kept a clean sheet considering their dominance in the match.

Next time out

As the UWCL group-stage comes to a close, Arsenal will take on group leaders Bayern Munich from Meadow Park, to determine top spot. Ultimately, anything less than three points for the Gunners, will see them advance to the final eight in second place.

Vålerenga however, will travel to Turin to face Juventus. Nevertheless both teams are unable to advance to the quarter-finals.

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