- This was the final match of the WSL season for both sides.
- Arsenal were looking to cement runners-up spot, while Liverpool aimed to end a difficult campaign on a positive note.
- Emotional farewells were expected for several Liverpool players, including long-serving defender Gemma Bonner.
Arsenal Women signed off their 2025/26 Barclays Women’s Super League campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Liverpool Women at Anfield. The Gunners raced into a three-goal lead by half-time and, despite a second-half reply from the hosts, secured a professional win that confirmed second place and Champions League qualification.
First Half
Liverpool Women started with decent intensity and tried to press high, but Arsenal Women quickly found their rhythm. The visitors took the lead in the 21st minute when Alessia Russo finished clinically from close range after good work down the right.
Arsenal doubled their advantage around the 32nd minute through Mariona Caldentey, who slotted home from a tight angle following a well-worked short corner routine. The Gunners’ movement and quick passing repeatedly stretched Liverpool’s defence.
Just five minutes later, Alessia Russo made it 3-0. The England forward produced a superb left-footed strike into the top corner, rounding off a slick team move. Liverpool goalkeeper Jennifer Falk made some important saves to prevent further damage, but the hosts went into the break firmly on the back foot.
Half-time: Liverpool Women 0-3 Arsenal Women
Second Half
Liverpool Women emerged with more urgency and pushed forward in search of a way back into the match. They created several half-chances and reduced the deficit in the 74th minute when substitute Zara Shaw produced a smart finish on the turn after a corner scramble.
The goal lifted the Anfield crowd and gave the Reds renewed belief, but Arsenal managed the game well, maintaining control and limiting clear opportunities. The visitors remained a constant threat on the counter as Liverpool committed more players forward.
Full-time: Liverpool Women 1-3 Arsenal Women
Post-Match Reaction
Arsenal Women demonstrated exactly why they finished as runners-up, showing quality, clinical finishing, and game management. Alessia Russo’s performance, in particular, stood out as she caused constant problems for the Liverpool defence.
For Liverpool Women, the result summed up many aspects of their season, moments of promise overshadowed by defensive lapses against top opposition. The fight shown in the second half and the emergence of younger players like Zara Shaw offer small positives heading into the summer.
The occasion also marked farewells for club stalwarts, adding an emotional layer to the final whistle.
A strong away performance from Arsenal to close out the league season, while Liverpool now turn their attention to a much-needed rebuild.
