Alessia Russo’s inaugural hat trick for Arsenal led the Gunners to a 5-2 triumph over Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium, elevating them to second place in the Women’s Super League.
The England forward initiated the scoring with a header in the fifth minute and completed her hat trick less than 22 minutes later after a blunder by Tottenham goalkeeper Lize Kop allowed Arsenal to capitalize.
Russo’s third goal reinstated the Gunners’ two-goal lead following an own goal by Frida Maanum, and Caitlin Foord contributed a fourth goal after halftime.
Tottenham substitute Bethany England, celebrating her 200th WSL appearance, narrowed the gap before Arsenal substitute Stina Blackstenius secured their fifth goal in stoppage time of the second half.
This victory increased Arsenal’s points total to 38, putting them level with third-placed Manchester United, although Arsenal holds the edge on goal difference.
The Gunners have two matches in hand over both United and league leaders Manchester City, who are 11 points ahead.
Russo began the scoring by heading in a corner from Katie McCabe, then extended the hosts’ lead two minutes later by running onto a through ball from Olivia Smith, rounding Kop, and finishing low off the far post.
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Spurs pulled a goal back in the 20th minute, initially credited to Cathinka Tandberg, but later recognized as an own goal by Frida Maanum following an aerial challenge.
Russo completed her hat trick in the 27th minute when Kop mistakenly passed the ball directly to the in-form Arsenal forward, who took her time before scoring.
Foord found the net one minute after the hour mark, controlling a cross from Smilla Holmberg before finishing into the top corner.
England entered the match for Tandberg with fewer than 20 minutes left and quickly forced Daphne van Domselaar into a remarkable diving save.
She then became the first Tottenham player to score at the Emirates in a North London derby, firing into the far corner from a tight angle in the 78th minute, but Blackstenius sealed the match by slotting past Kop deep into stoppage time.
