Alessia Russo scored a brace during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Bristol City on Sunday evening. She spoke to the press post-match, the first four questions are from Arseblog News.
On Beth Mead moving inside and her and Beth playing closer together…
We have players that can play in pockets all over the pitch and when we are playing a team that is disciplined like Bristol you have to find different ways to break the spaces down. With Beth coming inside a bit it helped to open up the attacks a bit more.
On playing in a deeper role behind Stina Blackstenius…
I am happy to play anywhere on the pitch, I don’t care where. I love playing with Stina and the forwards we have in this team- they are all so different. The more that we play together the more we can try to complement each other.
On playing with intensity after an international break…
It is tough after the international break because you only have a few days but we played some really nice football throughout the game. We started really fast and that’s so important especially against teams that sit deep because you can become a bit frustrated as the game goes on. But to score early and be clinical with our chances was really important.
On Laura Wienroither’s return from injury…
It was so nice, she has been working so hard and I have only seen a portion of that hard work but what I have seen has been incredible. All the girls that have come back from long injuries, it’s such a nice moment for them to be back on the pitch, especially back at home with the fans and she thoroughly deserved that reception. When she came in she played really well.
On how she has found her first season at Arsenal…
It has been great, I can’t believe how quickly it has gone but I am loving it. I feel like I am learning new things every day and I am developing things in my game, which is important. When you come into a new environment you have to challenge yourself. You go in a little uncomfortable but that’s good, it’s good to be challenged and to learn new styles, I am loving it.
On what the win will do for the team’s confidence…
Yeah, we knew we had to start fast and get a good result today. We want to keep pushing and we have four massive games left and we will keep fighting to the very last.
On scoring a brace today…
I love scoring, i would love to do it every week and I will keep trying!
On Katie Reid making her debut…
She is one of the loveliest kids, she has been great since she has come in. She went on loan to Watford and now she is back with us full-time and ever since she has been back with us she has been getting better and better every week- I tell her that all the time. She is quite shy but she is slowly coming out of her shell and you could see that tonight, with her confidence on the ball. She has a bright future ahead of her.
The more I see her play, the more I see the qualities I didn’t entirely appreciate when she played for Utd.
The off the ball work, close control, contribution to build up play, plus tireless running. More goals is definitely something that can be added, the two finishes were clinical, really looking forward to seeing her career continue to blossom with us.
Have been pleasantly surprised with Alessia and Stina being able to play in the same line-up. Hopefully Stina will re-sign – and when Viv’s back, the forward options/combinations we have are probably incomparable in world football.
And plus the generosity towards team mates – she’s been such a great addition.
Very happy to see this comment. The people who call for her to be benched if she’s not scoring a lot of goals don’t appreciate how many other ways she contributes.
The same thing happens over on my side of the pond with Alex Morgan. (You don’t mind a Yank stopping in for a visit, do you?) The know-nothings want to see her off the national team because her goal numbers have been down because they fail to understand how she plays the position. In fact, Russo at 25 reminds me a lot of Morgan after 30.
A marvellous talent, both to football and to humanity.
That’s something that both she and her parents can be proud of.
You’re an inspiration, Lessi.
Great comment, well said
If it were possible she just gets better every game. Her work rate is just amazing and she is every bit the asset and world class player that Arsenal Women sought and signed.