Alessia Russo continued her fine form in front of goal as Arsenal took all three points in 1-0 victory away to Liverpool.

The England star’s fifth goal in as many Women’s Super League games was enough to see Renee Slegers continue her unbeaten run as interim manager of the Gunners.

Slegers’ side were far from their free-flowing best but overcame Matt Beard’s hosts to move up to third in the table heading into the winter break.

Russo made the decisive breakthrough in the 20th minute after Katie McCabe’s low corner into the near post caught Liverpool’s backline out. Gemma Bonner managed to clear the ball off the line but only as far as Russo,  who was able to calmly pass it into the net.

The Lionesses star was involved again a little more than five minutes later. The 25-year-old got in front of Bonner to claim Caitlin Foord’s cross before drawing a foul from the Liverpool defender in the penalty area. Referee Melissa Burgin pointed to the spot despite arguments from the hosts but Mariona Caldentey struck the penalty against a post before the hosts managed to clear the ball.

The Spaniard’s miss almost proved costly as the post then prevented Liverpool levelling the score before the break.

Ceri Holland delivered a deep cross to the back post looking for Olivia Smith but her ball in was greeted by the head of McCabe.

The Irish full-back could only look on in fear as she saw her header strike the frame of her own goal before the ball bounced into the arms of Daphne Van Domselaar.

After the break, Frida Maanum missed a huge opportunity to get the second goal Sleger’s side were chasing.

Beth Mead saw her deflected shot strike the upright before it dropped to Russo, who found Mannum six yards out. However, the Norwegian shot over the crossbar.

Arsenal’s inability to find a second goal allowed momentum to switch in favour of Liverpool.

After Van Domselaar claimed a free-kick, she rolled the ball straight to Smith but her touch let her down and the Arsenal goalkeeper made amends.

McCabe weaved down the touchline before forcing a near post save from Teegan Micah, before captain Leah Williamson’s header found the roof of the net and Kim Little –  returning from injury – shot over from the edge of the area.

Hearts were in mouths for the travelling contingent during the five minutes of added time as deep crosses made their way towards Van Domselaar’s goal but Williamson marshalled her defence to ensure her side went into the winter break with a win.