Arsenal's recent defeats in the Champions League and WSL have dashed their trophy hopes. Despite this, striker Alessia Russo remains optimistic about securing second place in the WSL and a Champions League spot for next season.
Key points
Arsenal lost to Lyon in the Champions League semi-final.
A draw against Brighton ended Arsenal's title hopes.
Alessia Russo remains optimistic about securing second place.
Arsenal can still qualify for the Champions League next season.
ArsenalLyonBrightonManchester City
It's that time of the year when 90 minutes can change the complexion of an entire season. For Arsenal, it was two in the space of five days that saw them go from two trophy contentions to none.
Arsenal striker Alessia Russo said the Gunners did want to push Man City all the way, but they can still secure second place in the WSL and another season in the Champions League.
"We wanted to take it down to the last day and do all we could to win those games," she exclusively told Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal's game against Aston Villa on Saturday.
"We knew it was tough, but it was a challenge that we would like to have done. But going to Brighton was really difficult, they've had some great results this season and they're a top side.
Q&A
What were Arsenal's recent results in the Champions League and WSL?
Arsenal lost to Lyon in the Champions League semi-final and drew against Brighton in the WSL, ending their trophy aspirations.
How can Arsenal still qualify for the Champions League next season?
Arsenal can secure a Champions League spot by finishing second in the WSL, which they can achieve if they win their remaining games.
Who is Alessia Russo and what did she say about Arsenal's season?
Alessia Russo is an Arsenal striker who expressed disappointment over the team's recent results but remains hopeful about finishing strong in the WSL.
What impact did the draw against Brighton have on Arsenal's title chances?
The draw against Brighton eliminated Arsenal's chances of a late title charge, allowing Manchester City to secure their first league win since 2016.
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Highlights of the WSL game between Brighton and Arsenal.
Highlights of the WSL game between Brighton and Arsenal
"The mindset wasn't any different - we wanted to go and win the game - but sometimes it doesn't go that way. Credit to Man City, they've been outstanding all season and really consistent so they fully deserved it.
"It still does hurt, but it fuels the fire for next season and we still have a lot to play for this season. We want to come second in the WSL and we know that's in our control. We've got three games left and we want to really push.
"I always say in football, it's great because when you have bad results, you always have a game really quickly to follow where you can hopefully turn it around. That's what we'll be looking to do against Villa."
Alessia Russo on Arsenal men's team reaching their CL final
"I don't think they need our tips. They're having an unbelievable season.
"When you're in and around them and you see them day-to-day, to be able to celebrate their successes is great and hopefully they go and do it.
"We'll be backing them all the way."
'It's easy to play well with amazing players'
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WSL
Highlights of the Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, in which Alessia Russo scored a hat-trick
Russo could yet come away with a personal accolade from the Champions League. She is the current joint-top scorer in the competition this season (9), although she could be overtaken when Barcelona face Lyon on May 23.
WCL top scorers 2025/26
| Player | Club | Goals scored |
| Alessia Russo | Arsenal | 9 |
| Ewa Pajor | Barcelona | 9 |
| Alexia Putellas | Barcelona | 8 |
| Pernille Harder | Bayern Munich | 8 |
But nothing can take away from the fact that Russo is having one of the best seasons of her career. She looks confident and assured going forward, and runs herself into the ground. Her work rate off the ball has not gone unnoticed by Arsenal fans either.
"I try and work hard in any game - it's something that has been instilled in me since I was a young kid," Russo said.
Alessia Russo's WSL stats
"It brings out the best in me and I know with the players we have, everyone's on that same mission and working hard themselves. It's a standard when you come to Arsenal - you have to give everything.
"I'm really happy with my football. We've developed really nice partnerships on the pitch and it's easy to play well with really amazing players, both at England and Arsenal.
"I learn from other players around me. I've got Stina [Blackstenius], Caitlin [Foord], Beth [Mead], Liv [Smith] - all such different technical finishers and someone like Chloe [Kelly] is a pure power finisher.
Alessia Russo's WSL shot map 2025/26
"I do think goals breed confidence as well, or being in the right areas and feeling good in yourself. I'm enjoying my football, I'm happy, I'm learning a lot. In my position, you never really stop learning because there's so much that comes with it.
"That's something that I'm trying to do throughout the season and hopefully will continue to do."
Russo often finds herself switching between a No 9 and No 10 role for Arsenal. Her position for England is more well-defined - an out-and-out striker - but she has had to adapt to different positions at her club.
It is something that comes more easily now, and the forward enjoys the versatility.
Alessia Russo's WSL heatmaps
"Both roles require a slightly different mindset," she explained. "It is similar in lots of ways, but in the 10, you drop a little bit deeper in the build-up and you come further than I would in the nine. The press is also different - there's lots of different aspects to it.
"But I'd play anywhere on the pitch, I just love playing football and being out there with the girls.
"Both of them help my understanding of the game. They help me know what teammates around me would want if I play in the nine and in the 10, so I'll contribute in any way I can.
"It feels a lot easier now than it did at the start. Back then, I had to invest a lot more time and focus into my role on and off the ball, but the more you do something, the easier it feels. It isn't easy, but it's something that I can adapt to."
Alessia Russo on Arsenal's season so far...
"We're a club that likes to win trophies and looking at it from that aspect, it’s disappointing. We always want to compete.
"We won the FIFA Champions Cup, which was amazing and a piece of history for the club, but going forward we really want to continue to push for trophies.
"Saying that, there's been some amazing moments, some great memories and some really big performances as well, so it's not all negative.
"There's been some real growth and some really exciting things that I think we'll see over the next few years."
Lessons to be learnt from Villa Park defeat last season
Russo will be hoping to boost her WSL goals tally when Arsenal travel to Villa Park this weekend. The Gunners have some demons to rest as well after a 5-2 loss at the ground in the same fixture last season.
They were also held to a 1-1 draw by a late Paula Tomas striker in September's reverse fixture, with Villa themselves looking to bounce back from a bruising defeat to West Ham on Monday.
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A
Highlights from the WSL clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa.
"I remember the game at Villa Park last year really well. A really tough side, a tough place to go," Russo reflected.
"They've got some real attacking threat with pace behind, but they're also really well-gelled together as a team.
"When you lose or don't get a result, you can actually take a lot out of the game, although it doesn't feel like that in the moment. Hopefully we'll do that going into Villa.
"We know that we're on the back of a really tough run as well in terms of loading of games, but we have to perform and finish this season on a high. We have to secure wins to qualify for Champions League next year and that is the focus."
