According to a report by BBC Sport on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Alessia Russo scored a late equaliser as Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal dominated possession and created numerous chances but were unable to turn their pressure into an early goal. Villa, meanwhile, took the lead against the run of play in the 25th minute through Chastity Grant.

Grant latched onto a pass from Lynn Wilms before going past Steph Catley and calmly placing her effort into the bottom corner to give Villa the advantage.

Arsenal continued to control proceedings after falling behind and came close to levelling before half-time. Kyra Cooney-Cross headed wide when unmarked inside the box, while Georgia Stanway tested Villa goalkeeper Akane Okuma with a long-range effort.

Villa almost doubled their advantage before the interval when Grant threatened to break clear again, but Catley produced an excellent tackle to stop her run.

Arsenal increased the pressure after the restart as they searched for an equaliser. Kim Little went close in the 75th minute when her effort from the edge of the penalty area was brilliantly tipped over by Okuma.

Villa continued to defend resolutely as Arsenal created opportunity after opportunity, but the hosts eventually found a breakthrough five minutes from full time. Substitute Stina Blackstenius delivered a cross from the right, and Russo flicked a header towards the far corner to make it 1-1 in the 85th minute.

The goal was Russo’s third in the WSL this season and rescued a point for Arsenal after they had struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Arsenal finished the match with 28 shots, including eight on target, while Villa managed only one attempt throughout the game.

Despite the significant difference in attacking opportunities, Villa remained in front until the closing stages. The draw means Arsenal moved up to sixth in the WSL table, while Aston Villa remained eighth, with both sides on 10 points.

The result also extended Arsenal’s wait for a home league victory this season. The Gunners have now drawn each of their four WSL matches at the Emirates and have had to come from behind to secure a point on three occasions this campaign.