LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 14: Alessia Russo of Arsenal stretches for the ball during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Walton Hall Park on March 14, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Alessia Russo makes her 100th appearance in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Saturday as Arsenal take on Everton.
And ahead of the match, head coach Renee Slegers paid tribute to her contribution and talent – calling it a “very special” milestone.
“We are obviously very happy she’s with us,” Slegers said about Alessia Russo, talking to Sky Sports on the live match coverage. “She can do so many things, and off the pitch she’s a fantastic human being.”
Renee Slegers: We need to work hard
After an inconsistent start to the season, Arsenal have won their last three matches, including two wins in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
And Slegers wants that momentum to continue domestically.
“We want to win our games, so we’re happy with the last three games, we’re very aware that we need to work hard for it which we did in those last three games, and that will be required today as well against Everton,” she said.
Slegers: Everton were very impressive against Chelsea
Brian Sorensen’s side, meanwhile, go into the game off the back of handing Chelsea their first defeat of the league season – and of Sonia Bompastor’s tenure. Honoka Hayashi’s goal sealed a 1-0 win last weekend, and Slegers says that her team are prepared for a similar committed performance from the Toffees.
“They did absolutely everything to defend their goal,” she said. “It was very impressive. So I’m sure they will bring that mentality and big belief from that performance.”
Slegers named a side with three changes from the midweek match against FC Twente, with Caitlin Foord replacing Olivia Smith, Emily Fox replacing Taylor Hinds, and returning captain Kim Little replacing Victoria Pelova.
