Arsenal Women defeat A-League All Stars in Melbourne

Global Football Week A League Women All-Stars v Arsenal at Marvel Stadium
Elise Kellond-Knight (8 A-League All-Stars) and Alessia Russo (23 Arsenal) battle for the ball. (Noe Llamas / SPP)

Arsenal rounded off their season with a 1-0 victory over Australia’s A-League All Stars at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

A double-header which also saw the A-League men’s team play Newcastle United, was watched by a crowd in excess of 42,000.

The only goal in Friday’s friendly fixture came late in the first half, when Alessia Russo headed in a cross from Vivienne Lia.

Tameka Yallop fired over the Gunners’ crossbar following a corner and Cortnee Vine got through on goal, only to shoot straight at Sarah Bouhaddi.

All Stars’ substitute keeper Jada Whyman denied Caitlin Foord from a tight angle after the break, while Naomi Williams took over the gloves for Arsenal and got down to save from Rhianna Pollicina.

Foord forced a flying save from Whyman, before Williams made a big late stop to prevent Hannah Wilkinson levelling.

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