WSL: Russo’s Late Header Earns Arsenal 1-1 Draw With Aston Villa

Alessia Russo scored an 85th-minute equaliser as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 1 November 2026, in front of 23,891 fans.

Villa took the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play when Chastity Grant received a pass from Lynn Wilms, went past Steph Catley and slotted into the bottom corner.

Arsenal dominated possession and created most of the chances but could not find a first-half response. Grant almost broke clear again before half-time, but Catley made a brilliant tackle to stop her.

Arsenal continued to press after the break. Kyra Cooney-Cross sent a header wide when unmarked in the box, Georgia Stanway had a 25-yard shot well saved by Villa goalkeeper Akane Okuma, and Kim Little’s strike from the edge of the area in the 75th minute was tipped over by Okuma.

The pressure finally told when substitute Stina Blackstenius crossed from the right and Russo flicked a header inside the far corner to rescue a point. It was Russo’s third Women’s Super League goal of the season, and she was named player of the match.

Arsenal had 28 shots to Villa’s one, with eight on target. The result leaves Arsenal sixth in the table and Aston Villa eighth, with both sides on 10 points.

Arsenal are still without a home win this season and have now recorded a fourth consecutive draw at the Emirates. They have come from behind to rescue a point for the third time this term and have had 163 shots in eight league games while scoring only eight goals.

Villa’s gameplan under Brian Sorensen almost worked to perfection after they went ahead, while concerns will remain for Renee Sleger’s Arsenal about their inability to win at home despite creating so many chances, especially after recent wins against Tottenham and Benfica.