Alessia Russo (right) has scored six goals in her past five WSL games
Alessia Russo was on target as Arsenal grabbed a narrow win at Liverpool to keep up their outside title hopes in the Women's Super League.
Liverpool were caught out by Katie McCabe's low corner in the 20th minute with Gemma Bonner's clearance only reaching Russo, who calmly tapped the visitors into the lead.
England forward Russo then won her side a first-half penalty after she drew a foul from Bonner in the penalty area.
But Mariona Caldentey could only hit the post with her spot-kick after Liverpool keeper Teagan Micah had already dived the wrong way.
In the second half, Arsenal hit the post again through a deflected Beth Mead effort, and Frida Maanum was unable to convert on the follow-up.
Liverpool came closest to an equaliser just before the break when McCabe headed Ceri Holland's cross against her own post.
Arsenal were worthy winners though and stay third in the Women's Super League table, seven points off leaders Chelsea.
Russo powers Arsenal back into form
The final WSL weekend of 2024 fell in Arsenal's favour.
Champions Chelsea were held by Leicester on Saturday and, a day later, title rivals Manchester City were beaten by Everton.
With their win over Liverpool, Arsenal kept in touch.
The winter break probably comes at a bad time for Renee Slegers' side who are one of the form teams in the WSL.
The Gunners started the season with just one victory in four, but have since won five of their past six in the league.
They were the dominant side at St Helens Stadium with McCabe having a late effort saved by Micah and Leah Williamson heading a corner just over.
But, when it mattered, it was forward Russo who found the net for the visitors. With a simple finish, the 25-year-old scored her sixth goal in five WSL games.
"I'm feeling good, I'm just enjoying my football," the England striker told Sky Sports. "I play my best when I'm happy and enjoying football.
"[Slegers] has been great. She's making me feel confident and the team in general.
"We know how good we are as a squad, know how good the staff are and we are just keeping our head down and focusing."
Arsenal's next match is against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, struggling with injuries, did not have a shot in the second half and have now lost each of their past four league matches.
Manager Matt Beard will serve a touchline ban in their next match on January 12 against West Ham after he was shown his third yellow card of the season for dissent.
The Reds were playing in their 200th WSL match. Only Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton and Manchester City had previously reached that milestone.
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