In the latter stages of Arsenal’s 2022/23 campaign in the Barclays Women’s Super League, injury woes saw the Gunners advancing with near-empty pockets when it came to attacking options. Stina Blacksteius became pivotal for Jonas Eidevall’s side, the Swedish international capping off her league season tally with 8 goals to her name, the Gunners finishing the campaign in third position on the league table. Despite what arrived as a formidable step-up in form on Blackstenius’s behalf, Arsenal found themselves with their hands tied behind their back when it came to existing versatility amongst the front line.

The Barclays Women’s Super League all-time leading goalscorer in Vivianne Miedma was set for an expended spell on the sidelines, after rupturing her Anterior Cruciate Ligament in December of 2022. Whist Arsenal’s desperate attempts at signing Manchester United’s Alessia Russo fell flat during the winter transfer window, despite bringing a world-record fee to the Mancunian side’s table.

In what has been a cinematic turn of events for Arsenal fans, last weekend’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup clash against Watford saw the inaugural appearance of both Vivianne Miedema and Alessia Russo in Eidevall’s starting XI.

Whilst Miedema has been making her return to full-fitness following her extended spell on the sidelines, Alessia Russo has solidified herself as a part of the furniture in London Colney. The English International has already found herself on the scoresheet on seven occasions during her stint in North London, whilst the marquee signing has also shown to impress in a deeper midfield role.

Eidevall now arrives with a pleasant predicament on his hands, as both striking options appear raring to go with the arrival of the new calendar year. The Arsenal boss spoke in regards to the multiple attacking avenues yet to be explored within the squad, previewing the array of relationships in potential formation.

“I think we have a lot of really interesting matchups, and if we start looking at the 9/10 relationship in the way that we play they can compliment each other in many different ways.”

“It’s important for us to obviously try and find connection and the best relationship depending on what game state and what opponents we’re playing against.”

Despite having already made their partnership debut in last Sunday’s 5-1 victory over Watford, Gunners fans should be eagerly anticipating the development of the striking partnership going forward. Whilst Miedema has previously made her desires to play in a midfield role increasingly clear, the link-up between the Dutch star and the likes of Russo is something that could prove to be a formidable threat for opponents.

“If we are speaking specifically about Viv [Miedema] and Alessia [Russo], they are two very good technical players. Both with great game intelligence, should be able to use movements in space in a very efficient way together.”

Both Alessia Russo and Vivianne Miedema will be back in action for the Gunners in Saturday’s Barclays Women’s Super League 2pm clash between Arsenal and Everton at Meadow Park.