Arsenal defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. Alessia Russo’s goal gave Arsenal a two-goal cushion heading into the second leg. The match also highlighted what Chelsea are missing: a focal point and clinical finisher.
Russo’s Record-Breaking Goal
Stina Blackstenius picked up the ball midway inside the Chelsea half and spotted Alessia Russo making a run. Blackstenius passed to Russo, who took one touch before blasting a volley into the bottom corner. Blackstenius said Russo’s touch was perfect, and her finish was “just so good”.
Russo’s goal was her eighth in this season’s Champions League. This is a record in the women’s game for an English player in one European campaign. Renee Slegers praised Russo’s “conviction”.
Chelsea’s Finishing Woes
Sam Kerr, Chelsea’s top scorer in all competitions this season, was absent. Kerr has lacked game time since returning in September from an ACL rupture. Mayra Ramirez has not played since a hamstring injury in pre-season. Aggie Beever-Jones, who missed a draw away to London City Lionesses with an ankle problem, has looked out of form.
Chelsea are vying for Manchester City’s Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, whose contract expires at the end of this season.
Chelsea’s drop-off in finishing ability compared to recent years is noticeable. In the past three seasons, they have overperformed expectations in front of goal, but in this one, they have underperformed. They have scored 32 times from an expected goals value of 36.9. That is the worst conversion rate in the 12-team Women’s Super League.
Arsenal’s Clinical Performance
Arsenal were clinical when chances arose. Blackstenius nodded home Katie McCabe’s whipped left-footed free-kick to put Arsenal ahead. Chloe Kelly rifled a long-range shot to double the lead.
Kelly said that when you hit one like that, you know it’s going in. She added that she is playing with such talented players around her, which makes it much easier. Both Kelly and Blackstenius put their efficiency down to enjoying their football.
Arsenal’s 3-1 first-leg win gives them a two-goal cushion heading into the second leg next Wednesday.