Alessia Russo's late header rescued a point for Arsenal Women in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in the FA WSL on Sunday. The Gunners dominated the match but needed an 85th-minute equaliser after Chasity Grant had given the visitors a first-half lead.
They are now ten points behind leaders Chelsea.
Villa struck against the run of play after 25 minutes. Lynn Wilms provided the cross for Chasity Grant to head home, punishing a rare defensive lapse. Arsenal responded with relentless pressure, with Caitlin Foord and Olivia Smith going close, but they struggled to break down a resolute back three marshalled by Patten.
The changes finally paid off with five minutes of normal time remaining. Blackstenius, who had just entered the fray, delivered a pinpoint cross for Russo to power a header past Okuma.
The draw extends Arsenal's recent form to two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five league outings. Their recent results include a 3-0 win over SL Benfica on 28 October, a 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on 24 October, and a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City on 17 October. It follows a 3-0 victory over SL Benfica in the Champions League, where Russo scored a hat-trick, and a 2-1 league win at Tottenham. The team's overall goal difference this season stands at minus one, having scored seven and conceded eight in the league.
Arsenal's next challenge is a trip to face Liverpool at St Helens Stadium on Saturday, 7 November. Liverpool currently sit tenth in the table, making it a key fixture for the Gunners as they look to climb from mid-table. The full fixtures schedule shows a busy period ahead before the winter break.
Emily Fox admitted the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa was a painful setback. The defender said, "It does [hit harder to drop points]. I feel like... The team had a great flow." The result means Arsenal have failed to win any of their opening four home league matches this season. They sit 7th in the FA WSL with 10 points from eight games. The Gunners travel to face Liverpool on Saturday, 7 November.
