The departure of Vivianne Miedema from Arsenal last summer sent shockwaves through the football world, with fans left disappointed and perplexed by the club’s decision not to renew the Dutch striker’s contract. Miedema, who remains Arsenal’s all-time top scorer, was a key figure in the club’s success, including their league-winning 2018/19 season. Her absence from the team left a void, yet in the aftermath, England international Alessia Russo has flourished for the Gunners. This unexpected outcome can be attributed to a combination of Miedema’s injury struggles, tactical shifts within the team, and a change in management that has allowed Russo to thrive.
The Decision to Let Miedema Go
Vivianne Miedema’s departure from Arsenal was far from straightforward. Her contract expired in the summer of 2023, and despite being one of the best strikers in the Women’s Super League (WSL), the club decided not to extend her deal. This was a decision that surprised many, especially considering Miedema’s history at the club and her key role in Arsenal’s domestic and European successes. The Dutch forward’s talent had helped Arsenal secure numerous titles, and her incredible goal-scoring feats made her one of the most decorated players in WSL history. However, there were underlying reasons for her exit that were tied to both her injury struggles and Arsenal’s shifting ambitions.
Injuries had begun to plague Miedema’s career in recent seasons, most notably her ACL injury, which kept her sidelined for a significant portion of 2023. Although she had made a comeback, her return was not without its setbacks, and she had to undergo corrective surgery on her knee, which kept her out for even longer. Her recovery has been a slow and arduous process, and by the end of 2024, she had made just five appearances for Manchester City, where she signed on a free transfer. Miedema’s ongoing injury struggles raised questions about her future at the top level, especially considering her age and the impact on her form.
Amidst this uncertainty, Arsenal decided to go in a different direction, securing the services of Alessia Russo from Manchester United. The decision to bring in Russo seemed to be part of the club’s desire to build a new attacking force for the future, one that was perhaps more reliable in terms of fitness and form.
The Rise of Alessia Russo at Arsenal
Alessia Russo’s arrival at Arsenal in the summer of 2023 marked the beginning of a new chapter for the club. Russo, who had been a standout performer for England, was seen as a talented striker who could complement Arsenal’s attacking lineup. However, it wasn’t just her technical ability that was set to make an impact. Russo’s resilience and consistency in fitness allowed her to quickly establish herself as a key player for the Gunners.
Despite a challenging start to the 2024/25 season, where Russo failed to score in the first eight competitive fixtures, the England striker began to find her rhythm after the departure of former head coach Jonas Eidevall. Since interim head coach Renee Slegers took charge, Russo has been in exceptional form, scoring 10 goals in her first 12 competitive fixtures. Her impressive goal-scoring record is a testament to her growing confidence and the tactical changes within the team that have allowed her to thrive.
The evolution of Russo’s performances cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader changes at Arsenal. Russo’s flourishing form is intertwined with the club’s decision to part ways with Miedema, and the subsequent shift in tactical direction under Slegers. These changes have allowed Russo to step up and take on a more prominent role in the team, something that was not as clear under Eidevall.
Miedema’s Exit: A Catalyst for Russo’s Growth
While the exit of Vivianne Miedema was undoubtedly difficult for Arsenal fans, it also provided an unexpected opportunity for Alessia Russo to flourish. Miedema’s absence from the first team allowed Russo to step into the spotlight as the main striker, and she did not disappoint. The decision to let Miedema go, combined with the tactical shifts that followed, opened up space for Russo to take on a more prominent and consistent role in the team.
Russo’s ability to stay fit and maintain a high level of performance became increasingly valuable for Arsenal as the season progressed. While Miedema’s recovery from her ACL injury was uncertain, Russo’s fitness and form allowed her to become a regular fixture in the starting lineup. The England international was now expected to be the leader in attack, and she quickly embraced the responsibility, demonstrating her immense potential and natural goal-scoring ability.
Another key factor in Russo’s flourishing form was the simplification of her role in the team. Under the previous management of Eidevall, Arsenal’s attacking setup was marked by inconsistency. Eidevall struggled to settle on a preferred number nine, frequently rotating Russo with Stina Blackstenius depending on the opposition. This lack of consistency in Russo’s role led to frustrations, with the striker unable to find her best form.
However, after the departure of Eidevall and the appointment of Slegers as interim head coach, the clarity in Russo’s position became a crucial factor in her resurgence. Slegers provided consistency, giving Russo the confidence of knowing she would start every match. The tactical shift allowed her to play as a central figure in the team’s attack, and the result has been clear: Russo has scored 10 goals in 12 matches since Slegers took charge, tying her for second in the WSL golden boot race.
Tactical Shifts Under Slegers: Allowing Russo to Shine
The change in management has played a significant role in Russo’s rise to prominence. Slegers has implemented a more structured and simplified tactical approach that allows key players like Russo to excel. Unlike Eidevall, who rotated strikers and lacked clarity in his attacking setup, Slegers has given Russo the confidence to lead the line on a regular basis. The clarity in her role has been instrumental in her recent success, as she now knows she will be the focal point of Arsenal’s attack.
Slegers has also given Blackstenius a defined role as a super-sub, which has allowed her to make an impact off the bench rather than being forced to compete directly with Russo for a starting spot. This change in dynamic has helped both players find the back of the net more regularly. Since Slegers’ appointment, Russo and Blackstenius have scored 13 goals between them, a dramatic improvement compared to their combined tally of zero in the first 11 matches of the 2024/25 season.
The tactical shift has benefited Russo in more ways than one. Her ability to drop into midfield when Blackstenius enters the game has added versatility to her role. She is now able to link play, create opportunities, and still remain a potent goal-scoring threat. The simplicity of her role, combined with the tactical freedom she enjoys, has made a significant difference in her performances, allowing her to become one of the standout players in the WSL this season.
The Impact of Miedema’s Exit on Arsenal’s Long-Term Strategy
While Miedema’s departure was a difficult decision, it ultimately helped Arsenal focus on building a more sustainable and balanced team. Russo’s arrival and subsequent rise have added a new dimension to Arsenal’s attacking play. The club has also benefitted from the tactical stability under Slegers, which has allowed the team to play with more fluidity and cohesion.
Moreover, the decision to move on from Miedema has forced Arsenal to evolve and adjust to new circumstances. Rather than relying on a single player to carry the team, Arsenal now have a more dynamic attacking setup, with multiple players capable of making an impact. Russo’s development into a top-tier striker has been crucial in this transition, and her form has given Arsenal hope for the future as they aim to remain competitive at the top of the WSL and in European competitions.
Conclusion: A New Era for Arsenal with Alessia Russo at the Forefront
Vivianne Miedema’s exit from Arsenal was undoubtedly a challenging moment for the club, but it has paved the way for Alessia Russo to emerge as one of the league’s most exciting and prolific strikers. Russo’s form has flourished under a new tactical setup, and with consistent playing time, she has shown why she is one of the brightest talents in women’s football. The departure of Miedema, combined with the shift in management and tactics, has allowed Russo to step into a leading role, and she has not disappointed. As Arsenal look to build for the future, Russo will undoubtedly be at the forefront of their attacking plans.
