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North London Derby Triumph
Alessia Russo, the star forward for Arsenal, found another reason to smile beyond her decisive goal in the recent north London derby against Tottenham. Her second-half strike secured a 1-0 win for the Gunners in the Women’s Super League, avenging their previous defeat at the hands of their rivals in December.
Groundbreaking All-Female Grounds Crew
However, the victory on the pitch was not the only cause for celebration. In a groundbreaking initiative, the WSL and Women in Football joined forces with the Grounds Management Association to assemble the first-ever all-female grounds team for a WSL match. The team, comprising 13 women from various sports and educational backgrounds, were tasked with preparing the pitch at the Emirates Stadium for this crucial fixture. Additionally, the club’s technical team for the day was also entirely female.
Russo’s Pride in Pioneering Efforts
Russo expressed her pride in this significant achievement, noting the importance of such pioneering efforts in the sport. In her comments to talkSPORT, she praised the all-female team’s work and highlighted the positive atmosphere at the Emirates on matchdays. She emphasized the importance of the role everyone plays, from the grounds crew to the fans, in creating a special environment.
Record-Breaking Attendance
The derby also witnessed Arsenal Women’s team celebrate consecutive sold-out games, a testament to the growing popularity and support for women’s football. Russo remarked on the incredible feeling of playing in front of packed stands and the importance of setting a high standard for the sport. She believes that Arsenal is at the forefront of driving women’s football forward, with fan engagement and support playing a crucial role.
The achievements on and off the field reflect the dynamic progress of women’s football, with Arsenal and its community leading the charge in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for the sport’s growth.
