Russo’s hat trick was your classic center forward play. A header, a run in behind and a press that forced an error.
However, this is not the entire story as her brilliance came down to Arsenal’s wider attacking plan which maximized their right half space.
Arsenal attack in the now typical 3-2-5 shape from their initial 4-2-3-1. Normally, both wingers provide width for the front five with the midfielders attacking the half spaces. But Renée Slegers’ side used a lopsided approach with her wingers as Chloe Kelly played the more orthodox role maintaining width on the left. Meanwhile Olivia Smith inverted into the right half space allowing for Smilla Holmberg to overlap and provide width from right back.
Arsenal’s 3-2-5 attacking shape with Smith inverting for Holmberg to overlap.
Tottenham’s backline looked unsure on how to deal with Smith’s positioning as Holmberg’s aggressive overlaps pinned in Spurs’ left back Amanda Nildén with neither their midfield nor backline confident on who was to pick up Smith.
The buildup to Arsenal’s first goal provided a glimpse towards Tottenham’s struggles. On this occasion it was Russo who received the ball between the lines at the right half space from the turnover. But Spurs’ backline is too deep which creates the space for her to combine with Chloe Kelly, take the shot which results in the corner from which she scores.
Russo receives in space early. Highlighting Tottenham’s weakness between the lines (Credit: Barclays Women’s Super League)
Arsenal’s second was the best example of this as Smith moved inwards to receive Mariona Caldentey’s penetrative pass. Holmberg is holding the width and occupying Nildén (so much so they are both out of screen) and with Russo pinning Tottenham’s skipper and centre back Ann Bartrip, the captain is seen pointing towards Olivia Smith and Frida Maanum in the half spaces demanding they be picked up. None of them are and Smith easily slips in Russo to round the keeper for her second.
Smith’s positioning is unchallenged despite Bartrip’s (arrow) commands (Credit: Barclays Women’s Super League)
The third may be remembered for Lize Kop’s error but it again stemmed from Smith’s inversion. She flicks on a lobbed pass from Caldentey with Nildén yet again concentrating on Holmberg and Bartrip this time not fully committing to Smith allowing her to head unchallenged. Neither Maanum nor Russo are in position to receive her pass, and it’s easily intercepted but their combined press forces Spurs backward and ultimately to Kop’s error.
Smith is again unchallenged in that space. Putting Spurs under pressure that results in Russo’s hat trick. (Credit: Barclays Women’s Super League)
With the game wrapped up 3-1 at half time, Olivia Smith was taken off in preparation for Arsenal’s Champions League second leg clash vs Chelsea. Holmberg, meanwhile, got her deserved assist with her cross setting up Caitlin Foord’s excellent finish and Blackstenius added a fifth.
With thirteen goals from their last three games, Arsenal’s attack is clicking right as we get to the business end of the campaign. However, despite their dominance they still conceded two preventable goals against Spurs and with Chelsea needing two to send the tie to extra time after their unfortunate 3-1 loss which saw them hit the post twice within the first ten. Wednesday would now be a test of Arsenal’s defensive resilience.
