Arsenal star Alessia Russo delighted by ‘special’ groundbreaking feat achieved at north London derby against Tottenham

Alessia Russo scored Arsenal’s winner in the north London derby against Tottenham but another feat had her beaming with pride.

The Lioness struck just after half-time at the Emirates Stadium to hand the Gunners a 1-0 victory in the Women’s Super League.

Russo scored the winner on her return from injuryCredit: GettyIt was sweet revenge for the 1-0 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December when Martha Thomas hit them with a sucker punch.

But as well as a vital WSL win, Arsenal achieved something far more significant.

In a landmark moment, the WSL and Women in Football collaborated with the Grounds Management Association to organise the first all-female grounds team to work on a WSL game.

The 13 women came from several diferent sporting and educational facilities to prepare the Emirates for the key clash, while the club’s tech team on the day was also all-female.

READ MORE ON THE WSLAsked about the achievement, a delighted Russo told talkSPORT: “That’s so cool and paving the way and I think it’s so special we have these kind of people in and around the club.

“Whenever their job is called upon, people are stepping up and it’s incredible, and the fans as well. The whole day in general when you’re at the Emirates feels really nice.”

The match also saw Arsenal’s Women record back-to-back sold out games, another achievement not lost on Russo.

She added: “It’s so incredible and I really think that we are setting the bar for women’s football.