Arsenal 5-1 West Ham (Sep 12, 2025) Game Analysis

Alessia Russo scored twice as Arsenal came from behind to make it two wins from two Women’s Super League matches with a thumping 5-1 victory at West Ham.

The Champions League winners trailed to a comical own goal from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

But goals from Frida Maanum, Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord and Russo’s late double ensured Arsenal backed up last week’s 4-1 win over London City Lionesses with another statement three points.

Arsenal were missing England hero Chloe Kelly due to a slight knock, so fellow Lioness Beth Mead made her first start of the season.

But it was West Ham — beaten 1-0 at Tottenham in their opener last weekend — who took a shock lead after just five minutes in bizarre fashion with what was a horrible moment for Van Domselaar.

The Dutch keeper went to make a straightforward catch from a deep Shekiera Martinez cross, only to let it slip through her fingers.

The ball hit the far post, bounced back off Van Domselaar and dropped into the net.

The driving rain in east London may well have played a part but it was still a dreadful error from the 25-year-old.

However, Arsenal hit back in the 21st minute with Russo spearheading their first meaningful attack down the right.

Russo played in England teammate Mead, whose clever pass teed up Maanum to turn and slot home past Megan Walsh from 10 yards out.

Russo almost created a second with a neat spin in the penalty area but Mariona Caldentey’s drive was a long way off target.

Moments before half-time Foord’s low cross found Russo eight yards out but she was unable to get her shot away.

After the break Caldentey’s cross towards the near post was met by Russo, who planted her header narrowly wide.

But seven minutes into the second half Blackstenius, on at half-time for Maanum, burst into the box, collected Russo’s backheel and bent the ball past Walsh.

West Ham were still in the match until just after the hour mark when Foord got in front of her marker to nod home Caldentey’s cross.

Arsenal were so comfortable boss Renee Slegers could even afford to leave £1 million ($1.36m) winger Olivia Smith on the bench until the closing stages.

But when the Canadian did come on she set up Russo for a spectacular fourth from 20 yards, and then won the penalty which the Euro 2025 final goalscorer tucked in for number five in stoppage time.