Russo’s 85th-minute goal earns Arsenal 1-1 draw with Aston Villa
What’s next: Arsenal head into a tougher run after dropping points despite 28 shots and nearly 65% possession at home.
Alessia Russo headed in late to rescue a 1-1 Women’s Super League draw for Arsenal against Aston Villa after Chasity Grant put the visitors ahead in the first half. Villa struck in the 25th minute when Lynn Wilms found Grant, who finished low, and then defended deep for much of the match. Arsenal controlled possession and piled up chances, but needed Russo’s 85th-minute equalizer from a Stina Blackstenius cross to avoid a home defeat. The result blunted momentum from recent wins over Tottenham and Benfica and leaves more pressure on coach Renée Slegers before a demanding stretch that includes Liverpool, Barcelona, London City and Lyonnes.