Everton 1-3 Arsenal Stats: Russo Double Inspires Gunners to WSL Away Victory

Arsenal secured a 3-1 win over Everton at Walton Hall Park with a clinical performance led by Alessia Russo's double. Explore the key facts and stats in our comprehensive post-match breakdown.

Match Overview

⚽ Final Score: Everton 1️⃣-3️⃣ Arsenal
📅 Date: March 14, 2025
🏆 Competition: WSL – Round 16
📍 Venue: Walton Hall Park, Liverpool, England

Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Everton in WSL Round 16, bouncing back from their recent defeat to Liverpool. Alessia Russo opened the scoring in the 25th minute after excellent build-up play involving Kim Little. Everton equalised through Toni Payne in the 37th minute, assisted by Katja Snoeijs. The Gunners regained control after the break when a defensive error led to an own goal from Maren Mjelde in the 65th minute after some very nice intricate movements from the Gunners. Russo sealed the win with her second goal in the 90th minute following a Beth Mead assist. The result strengthens Arsenal's position in the WSL table as they continue their push for Champions League qualification.

Phases of Play Analysis

First Half (1-1)

The opening period saw Arsenal establish control early with 70% possession, culminating in Alessia Russo's 25th-minute strike giving the visitors a deserved lead. Despite their dominance, Arsenal created relatively few clear-cut opportunities, with just 2 shots on target from 7 attempts. Everton's organised defensive structure frustrated the visitors, while demonstrating clinical efficiency by equalising through Toni Payne in the 37th minute with their first shot on target. The hosts' defensive resilience was evident as they made 28 clearances in the first half alone.

First Half Stats Breakdown:

• Everton: 2 shots on target from 3 attempts (67% conversion)

• Arsenal: 2 shots on target from 7 attempts (29% conversion)

• Everton passes: 162 (77% accuracy)

• Arsenal passes: 368 (89% accuracy)

• Arsenal created more danger with 5 corners to Everton's 1

Second Half (0-2)

The match dynamics shifted after the break with Arsenal increasing their attacking intensity. The Gunners dominated possession (67%) and created 12 shots with 7 on target. Everton failed to register a single shot in the second half, focusing instead on defensive organisation with 26 clearances. Arsenal's pressure eventually told with Maren Mjelde's own goal in the 65th minute, followed by quadruple substitutions from Arsenal that changed the game's complexion. Russo's clinical finish in the 90th minute confirmed the three points for the visitors.

Second Half Stats Breakdown:

• Everton: 0 shots on target from 0 attempts

• Arsenal: 7 shots on target from 12 attempts (58% accuracy)

• Everton passes: 168 (74% accuracy)

• Arsenal passes: 337 (89% accuracy)

• Arsenal created 8 corners with 67% possession

Tactical Analysis

Everton's Approach

Everton deployed a 4-4-1-1 formation under Brian Sørensen, focusing on defensive solidity and transitional opportunities. Their tactical approach included:

1. Low defensive block: 54 clearances and 10 interceptions disrupting Arsenal's attacking rhythm

2. Defensive discipline: Winning 71% of tackles attempted while maintaining a compact shape

3. Direct counter-attacking: Creating 2 big chances despite only 32% possession

4. Set-piece resilience: Successfully defending 13 Arsenal corners

5. Targeted pressing: Winning 41 duels (60% of total duels) to disrupt Arsenal's build-up play

Arsenal's Approach

Arsenal utilised a 4-2-3-1 formation under Renée Slegers, focusing on controlled possession and patient build-up. Their tactical plan consisted of:

1. Possession dominance: 68% possession with 89% pass accuracy (705 total passes)

2. Wing play: Heavy utilisation of wide areas with 41 touches in the opposition box

3. High press: Forcing Everton into long clearances and winning 13 interceptions

4. Tactical substitutions: Four-player substitution on 62 minutes that changed the game's momentum

5. Overloading flanks: Creating 13 corners and 19 total shots through wide combinations

Individual Performances

Key Performers - Everton

Courtney Brosnan (7.6 rating)

• 7 saves (86% save percentage)

• 5 diving saves

• 6 saves inside the box

• 39 passes completed (91%)

• 14 recoveries

Katja Snoeijs (7.5 rating)

• 1 assist

• 1 chance created

• 4 duels won

• 5 clearances

• 13/17 passes completed (76%)

Toni Payne (7.3 rating)

• 1 goal

• 1 shot on target (100%)

• 5 touches in opposition box

• 2 clearances

• 4/7 passes completed (57%)

Hayley Ladd (7.1 rating)

• 7 clearances

• 5 duels won

• 6 recoveries

• 1 tackle won (100%)

• 11/17 passes completed (65%)

Key Performers - Arsenal

Alessia Russo (8.8 rating) - Player of the Match

• 2 goals

• 3 shots on target (100%)

• 9 touches in opposition box

• 1 successful dribble (100%)

• 27/29 passes completed (93%)

Kim Little (7.9 rating)

• 1 assist

• 1 chance created

• 1 successful dribble (50%)

• 3 duels won

• 44/47 passes completed (94%)

Katie McCabe (7.8 rating)

• 2 shots on target

• 2 chances created

• 2 successful dribbles (100%)

• 17 passes into final third

• 74/90 passes completed (82%)

Steph Catley (7.6 rating)

• Hit woodwork once

• 13 passes into final third

• 2 clearances

• 3 recoveries

• 80/85 passes completed (94%)

Momentum Analysis

1. Minutes 1-7: Strong Arsenal momentum (-60%) with early pressure in Everton's half

2. Minutes 8-10: Brief Everton momentum surge (+43%) following initial pressure

3. Minutes 19-21: Peak Arsenal dominance (-100%) leading to sustained pressure

4. Minutes 37-38: Decisive Everton period (+35%) culminating in Payne's equaliser

5. Minutes 49-55: Arsenal's momentum surge (-76%) building pressure

6. Minutes 68-73: Complete Arsenal dominance (-100%) following Mjelde's own goal

7. Minutes 89-90: Final Arsenal surge (-100%) leading to Russo's second goal

Substitution Impact

Arsenal's substitutions:

• Frida Maanum → Caitlin Foord (61'): Rating difference -0.93, struggled to make significant impact

• Chloe Kelly → Beth Mead (62'): Rating difference -0.11, crucial assist for Russo's second goal

• Kim Little → Stina Blackstenius (62'): Rating difference -1.92, missed big chance

• Lia Wälti → Kyra Cooney-Cross (62'): Rating difference 0.1, hit woodwork once

• Emily Fox → Lina Hurtig (90'): Minimal impact with limited time

Everton's substitutions:

• Katja Snoeijs → Clare Wheeler (63'): Rating difference -1.46, struggled to maintain attacking threat

• Justine Vanhaevermaet → Karen Holmgaard (63'): Rating difference -0.54, minimal defensive impact

• Hayley Ladd → Karoline Olesen (75'): Rating difference -1.19, struggled with Arsenal's late pressure

• Toni Payne → Melissa Lawley (75'): Rating difference -1.19, limited attacking contribution

• Honoka Hayashi → Emma Watson (88'): Minimal impact with limited time

Set Piece Analysis

Set pieces played a significant role in Arsenal's attacking threat:

• Corners: Everton 1, Arsenal 13

• Accurate crosses: Everton 1/7 (14%), Arsenal 6/32 (19%)

• Arsenal created multiple opportunities from corners, particularly through McCabe's delivery (7 corners taken)

• Everton defended resolutely from set-piece situations with 54 clearances

Key Match Insights

1. Possession Disparity: Arsenal's 68% possession translated to 19 shots compared to Everton's 3

2. Defensive Organisation: Despite Arsenal's dominance, Everton's disciplined low block restricted clear chances

3. Substitution Strategy: Arsenal's quadruple substitution in the 62nd minute changed the game's momentum

4. Technical Quality Gap: Arsenal's 89% pass accuracy compared to Everton's 75% highlighted the technical difference

5. Clinical Finishing: Russo's near perfect conversion rate (3 shots on target, 2 goals) proved decisive

Conclusion

Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Everton was a testament to their superior quality and tactical dominance. Despite Everton's disciplined defensive display and opportunistic equaliser, Arsenal's ability to control possession and create quality chances ultimately proved decisive.

The match highlighted several key factors that influenced the outcome:

1. Arsenal's technical superiority, evidenced by their significant advantage in possession and passing statistics

2. Everton's resilient defensive effort that kept them in the contest until late in the game

3. The impact of Arsenal's coordinated substitutions that changed the momentum in the second half

4. Russo's clinical finishing that made the difference in front of goal

Arsenal's victory strengthens their position in the WSL table, moving them up to 2nd place and 4 points clear of Manchester City. The Gunners now sit ahead of Manchester United on goal difference following the United’s defeat at Anfield, putting them in a strong position for Champions League qualification. Everton, meanwhile, will take positives from their defensive organisation despite the defeat.