In Focus: Russo relishing new challenge for title hopefuls Arsenal

Alessia Russo put in her best performance of the season last weekend.

The Arsenal striker scored twice in a statement 4-1 win over reigning champions Chelsea, a result which saw Jonas Eidevall's side move level on points with the Women's Super League champions.

With an in-form Russo leading the line, Arsenal will be confident of sustaining a title challenge this term.

Ahead of today’s North London derby, we take a closer look at the England star's campaign so far.

Settling in

Russo's brace against Chelsea took her league tally to four goals from nine appearances, while she has also contributed two assists.

With a further two Women's Champions League goals back in September, Russo has already scored six in all competitions and is almost halfway towards matching her total for last season at Manchester United.

And the 24-year-old is clearly determined to continue improving.

She said: "The older I get the more I realise that there's so many little things that you can do to help the team throughout the course of a game and a season.

"Obviously, you want to score — I would be lying if I said I didn't.

"But there's lots to learn and lots that I feel like I'm learning, looking at finer details of things like movements in the box, how I can create half a yard better.

"Little things that maybe aren't obvious to the wider world, but when you're in it you can pin down details."

Next level

An influential performance against Chelsea certainly bodes well for Russo and Arsenal.

Her next aim will be to produce such displays consistently and get closer to the 20-goal mark.

Arsenal boss Eidevall said: "Alessia works so hard. She's such a great individual and team player to have.

"Do we have room for improvement for her in terms of how we can involve her more, especially in the opposing penalty area, getting more touches and shooting opportunities? Absolutely, especially when she's playing the No9 position.

"That has to be the aim — getting more involvement there because that's going to lead to more goals.

"From a finishing perspective, she's probably the best finisher I’ve ever worked with. I really think she can finish in a lot of different ways.

"For her, it's more a number of how many times she can get [those opportunities] to finish, rather than the quality of what she will be doing with those opportunities."

Leading by example

Even if Russo does not have a prolific season in front of goal, she will still be a key player in Arsenal's title challenge.

The 34-cap international has struck up a good understanding with the likes of Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord, proving to be an effective foil for her attacking team-mates.

As was the case at United, Russo is a team player and not solely in the side for her goalscoring.

And the league table suggests Arsenal are a better outfit with their summer signing leading the line.

Ahead of another big game against Tottenhanm, the Gunners will be hoping there is plenty more to come from Russo.