This is why Alessia Russo was so quiet for Arsenal in first half against Manchester City, says former Lioness | OneFootball

Arsenal’s English striker #23 Alessia Russo  (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal went in at the break 1-0 down against Manchester City in the Women’s Super League on Saturday afternoon – with the Gunners’ star striker Alessia Russo very muted.

Bunny Shaw had put the hosts ahead at the Joie Stadium in the 36th minute.

And it could have been two had Kerstin Casparij’s effort a few moments later not been ruled out for offside.

The Gunners had created few clear-cut chances in the first half – and Toni Duggan, formerly of Manchester City and England, said that Alessia Russo had been kept quiet.

“She’s been a bit isolated up there, she hasn’t had many opportunities,” Duggan said on the Sky Sports television coverage.

“Arsenal have done well in getting down the sides and getting in behind with Olivia Smith and with Caitlin Foord, but the deliveries in the box for me have just been frustrating. They’re just not picking out a player and not getting Alessia Russo the opportunities she needs.

“I think that’s the frustrating part for me for Arsenal. They play pretty football, lot of passes, a lot of passing in midfield, but just that final ball is just not there at the minute. We’ve seen in the previous two games as well. They got a bit lucky because Manchester City most definitely should be 2-0 up.”

Arsenal v Manchester City: the statistics so far

Russo has scored two goals so far this season, both in the 5-1 victory over West Ham United. She has also contributed two assists, and has been nominated as WSL Player of the Month for September.

Arsenal had managed only one goal in their previous two matches, drawing a blank against Manchester United, and then drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa last weekend, with Frida Maanum on the scoresheet.

Arsenal had edged the possession stats in the first half against City, with 52 per cent, but had managed only three shots, with two of them on target.

In comparison, City’s 48 per cent of possession resulted in nine shots, with two on target.

Should they win the match, they will go second in the WSL table.