Alessia Russo scores twice at Anfield as Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-1 before their trip to Barcelona

Alessia Russo won another game for Arsenal. The striker scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, on matchweek 9 of the Women's Super League, handing her side only their third league win of the season four days before they travel to Barcelona in the Champions League.

Two crosses, two goals

The visitors struck first. In the 8th minute, Emily Fox sent a cross into the box and Russo finished to make it 1-0. The lead did not last long: seven minutes later, Beata Olsson got away from Leah Williamson and equalised for the hosts.

Liverpool pushed for more and even found the net again from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside, according to Arsenal's official match report. With the first half coming to an end, Russo appeared again: Lisa Baum crossed from the right and the striker headed past Khiara Keating for 2-1.

A tense finish

Arsenal had chances to extend their lead after the break and Russo came very close to a hat-trick, but Liverpool did not give up. Late on, Cornelia Kapocs could not quite connect with a dangerous ball into the box that might have been the equaliser. The Gunners held on and Russo was named player of the match.

The win follows a draw against Aston Villa and brings some relief to a team that has not started the season well: Renée Slegers' Arsenal have 13 points, sit sixth and remain 12 behind Manchester City, the leaders and reigning champions. Liverpool are 12th with eight points.

What comes next is demanding. On Thursday, Arsenal visit Barcelona, fresh from a 5-1 win over Madrid CFF, at Camp Nou in the Champions League. On Sunday they host London City Lionesses at Emirates Stadium.

The rest of Sunday's action

• Manchester United won 1-0 at Aston Villa. Julia Zigiotti Olme came off the bench and scored in the 72nd minute from a Hanna Lundkvist cross. Earlier, a Hinata Miyazawa shot had hit the crossbar. United are unbeaten in seven league games, according to the BBC.
• London City Lionesses beat Birmingham City 4-1. Poppy Pattinson, Delphine Cascarino, Grace Geyoro and Kadidiatou Diani scored; Oceane Hurtre pulled one back for Birmingham.
• Tottenham beat Brighton 2-1. Fran Kirby gave Brighton a very early lead, but Signe Gaupset and Olivia Holdt turned it around at the start of the second half.
• Crystal Palace edged Charlton 3-2. Bethany England scored the winner in the final minute. Charlton remain bottom without a point after nine games.

How the table looks

Manchester City lead with 25 points and Chelsea follow on 23, after the Blues' draw with Everton on Saturday. The two meet on Saturday 14 November at Stamford Bridge. Behind them are London City Lionesses (19), Tottenham (16), Manchester United (15) and Arsenal (13).

Sources: Arsenal FC, Sky Sports, The Independent, BBC Sport, VAVEL, ESPN.