Arsenal are struggling this season, but one thing has become very clear: Arsenal must keep Russo in the No. 9 role if they want to fix their problems and revive their Women’s Champions League campaign. Their 2-1 comeback win over Real Madrid showed exactly why Arsenal must keep Russo leading the attack rather than playing deeper.
Arsenal Must Keep Russo at the Heart of the Attack
The win against Real Madrid proved once again that Arsenal must keep Russo in her natural striker position. In recent matches, Arsenal experimented by using Russo as a No. 10 while Stina Blackstenius played as the main striker. This plan backfired. Arsenal dropped points against Chelsea, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich because goals simply did not come. In those games, Russo had to stay deeper to support the midfield, especially with Kim Little injured. But this meant Arsenal lost their biggest goal threat, which is why Arsenal must keep Russo where she is most dangerous.
Manager Renee Slegers finally switched Russo back to the No. 9 role against Real Madrid — and the difference was immediate. The Madrid defense could not handle her movement, speed, or presence inside the box. This performance showed why Arsenal must keep Russo in the striker position if they want to create more chances and win games.
Russo scored two brilliant headers, first from Chloe Kelly’s cross and then from Caitlin Foord’s corner. Even though Russo once said she wasn’t a good header of the ball, she has trained hard after every session to improve that part of her game. Slegers praised her effort and reminded everyone why Arsenal must keep Russo upfront consistently.
ALSO READ :
- 1. BIG STATEMENT: Stokes Urges England to ‘Create History’ Ahead of Ashes Opener POWER
- StarLadder Budapest Major 2025: Americas prepare for a breakthrough:
Russo’s Qualities Make Her Irreplaceable
Slegers explained that Russo brings energy, work rate, link-up play, pressing, and sharp finishing — all crucial qualities that Arsenal have been missing this season. This is exactly why Arsenal must keep Russo in the penalty box instead of dropping deep.
Arsenal’s worst start since 2014 shows how badly they need stability and goals. With only four wins from nine league matches, they must rely on Russo’s strengths. Slegers admitted it can be a “headache” because Russo is versatile, but her best impact comes when she leads the line. Once again, the proof is clear: Arsenal must keep Russo in her striker role.
Arsenal showed last season that they can fight back in Europe, such as their comeback against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals. But to repeat that success this year, Arsenal must keep Russo upfront. Her leadership, attitude, and hunger to improve make her the perfect player to build around. If Arsenal want to revive their Champions League hopes and fix their season, Arsenal must keep Russo at No. 9 — the position where she wins games.
SEE MORE:
