Arsenal Women star admits 'tough spot' after Paris FC draw

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Alessia Russo ended her goal drought in Paris, but the Arsenal Women forward was in no mood to dress up a night that saw a two-goal lead slip away.

Arsenal drew 2-2 with Paris FC on Tuesday evening, surrendering a commanding position before a late equaliser that Russo described as a "freak incident". It was a result that extended an uncomfortable run for Renee Slegers' side, and the striker did not shy away from the state of things when she stopped to speak afterwards.

Speaking to Arseblog News in Paris, Russo said: "There were good moments tonight and I think that the two goals were great and it was nice to get some free flowing attacks. That is what we've been working towards over the last couple of weeks."

'Football has many highs and lows'

The frustration, though, was obvious. "We are obviously disappointed to not get three points and the freak incident at the end, it's not ideal," Russo added. "It obviously wasn't intentional but I think we probably lost a little bit of momentum in the second half, regardless of that actual moment."

"It's tough. Football has many highs and lows and we're in a bit of a tough spot, but we know we have the quality of players and staff to get us out of it."

Arsenal's attacking output has been a central talking point in recent weeks, with Slegers fielding questions on the subject in her pre-match press conference. Russo's strike in Paris was her first of the campaign, and the England international was quick to take ownership of the wait.

"I'll always take responsibility for that. I know things haven't been good enough and I'm the first person to hold myself accountable," she said. "I've been really frustrated but all I've been trying to do is strip it back, focus on the positives, on the good things, train really hard and I think that's been the messaging from the staff as well."

Noise outside, work inside

Russo made a point of separating the external conversation from the mood within the group. "There is a lot of noise at the moment but internally, we've got a great group of girls, great group of staff and we're just working really hard," she said.

Asked whether the timing of her shooting had been a specific focus, the forward pointed to the small details that decide moments in the box. "You are always looking for half a yard," she explained. "I mean, I love shooting practice in training and it's all about moments and fine margins and fine spaces. It was nice to get one come off tonight and hopefully, we'll use that going forward as well."

Slegers made just two changes for the trip to France, with Misa replacing Borbe and Lotte Wubben-Moy coming in for Steph Catley. The task now is converting the "free flowing attacks" Russo described into results that turn the mood around.