two
They started their Champions league qualifying campaign with a 3-0 victory against Linköping, and in that same match, she made her debut for her new club. It was a good day, and they switched their focus onto the next game - which was a must win.
Alessia came on after 60 minutes of sitting on the bench to replace Stina. By then, they were down 2 goals. It was a lot of pressure, but she could handle it. And so she did, because exactly 20 minutes later, she scored her first Arsenal goal. They equalised in stoppage time through Jen Beattie, and that’s when it went to extra time. Paris FC scored another goal, which was frustrating, but 10 minutes later Alessia scored again. And after a hard fought, intense 120 minutes of football, which ended 3-3, the game went to penalties.
Arsenal, who had shown resilience to keep bouncing back throughout the game, found themselves on the back foot in the shootout. They weren’t able to convert their chances as smoothly as they would have hoped - Alessia wasn't able to convert her chance. And the disappointment stung. She needed to score with Frida missing before, and when it mattered most she didn’t show up. Her penalty was poor, and the keeper saved it. And before she knew it, they were already knocked out.
For Arsenal, it was a bitter disappointment, particularly as they had aspirations of going deep into the competition this year. The team had the talent to go further, but on this occasion, it just wasn’t their day.
As soon as the team left the pitch, Alessia felt like crying. And she didn’t realise she was until Lia Wälti came and sat next to her and wiped the tears off the blonde's cheek.
“Don’t blame yourself. You were amazing. We’ll go again.” Lia was very wise, and Alessia looked up to her. She was grateful that the team didn’t treat her as if it was her fault.
She sat next to Lotte on the plane ride back to London. It was silent. No one was in the mood to joke around and talk. Alessia was extremely tired, mentally and physically. She was starting to close her eyes when her phone buzzed.
Leah Williamson: Proud of you! There’s more to come x
That made her feel better.
****
They lost against Liverpool.
The first game of the season. Playing at the Emirates. They couldn’t even score. Alessia couldn’t even score. To say she was pissed was an understatement, but there was nothing she could do now. Instead, it was time to focus on the next game. And that just happened to be against her old team. Of course.
A 2-2 draw wasn’t what they hoped for. They had the advantage but due to silly mistakes, they allowed Man Utd to score. Alessia’s confidence was definitely knocked. Every time she’d touch the ball, the cheers would turn into booing. She stopped herself from crying this time. There was no way she could show that she was weak.
The trip home was a lot better than the plane ride. The team weren’t as disappointed with the result, they still came away with a point after all. Alessia sat by herself, not wanting to socialise. All she could do was replay the entire game in her head. The names that she had been called by the United fans, the constant booing, the looks she received. It was all a bit much. Beth messaged her, and so did Leah. but she couldn’t bring herself to reply. She knew they saw it on the television. They were watching their teammate get torn to shreds.
A week later, they were back at the Emirates, and things weren’t going their way at all. Theory conceded in the first half, and were 1-0 all game. It was heading into injury time, and the team started to lose hope. They were going to lose at home again. Suddenly out of nowhere, Vic had the ball and threaded it through to Katie who smashed the ball into the back of the net. 1-1. Game on.
They didn’t have much time to go. But they didn’t need it. Beth made her return after nearly a full year out injured, and she was the one to provide Alessia with an assist. When Alessia received the ball from Beth, she thought there was no way she could score from that angle. There were too many defenders, and the keeper would save it. But she tried. And thank God she did. The ball somehow went past all three defenders in the way and the keeper must’ve not seen the ball because it went straight past her into the back of the net. 2-1.
The second the final whistle blew, Alessia was relieved. She made up for the penalty miss a few weeks back. Arsenal had just won their first game of the season, in front of their fans.
After catching up with the likes of Rachel Daly and Anna Patten, Alessia stood still and took in the atmosphere around her. It was truly incredible. She didn’t even realise Leah was creeping up behind her as she launched herself onto Alessia’s back, wrapping her arms around her neck. Alessia gasped in surprise, but before she could react, Leah buried her face into the crook of her neck, laughing into her skin.
“I’m so proud of you!” Leah shouted.
Alessia, caught off guard and now totally off balance, staggered for a second, trying to shake Leah off while half-laughing, half-squirming.
She didn’t say anything back, and just gave Leah a little side hug before they went to go and thank the fans.
****
As the season progressed, Alessia just kept improving. And by January, Leah, Viv and Beth were all back on the field together. Now it was just Laura, but there was no pressure on her to return. There were so many games with both club and country, but Alessia loved it. She loved it even more when she lifted her first trophy with the club - it was a moment that she’ll remember for the rest of her life.
The last game of the season ended in a 5-0 victory against brighton. Alessia scored two goals, they said farewell to Sabrina and Viv, they celebrated and cried a lot. It was a special day.
The stress of the campaign was finally over, and they headed out for team drinks to unwind. It was nice to spend time away from the pitch, everyone chatting and laughing as they clinked glasses and shared stories.
But there was something odd. Leah was acting... a little too clingy. She kept lingering around Alessia, popping up beside her every time Alessia moved, and making exaggerated, silly comments just to get her attention. Alessia, who was trying to unwind and talk to some of the other girls, kept side-eyeing Leah, trying to figure out what was going on. She just thought Leah had one too many, and blamed it on the alcohol. It happens to everyone.
At one point, Leah plopped herself down way too close to Alessia, casually draping her arm around her shoulders like they were attached at the hip. Alessia shot her a playful look. “You okay, Leah?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Leah grinned, a little sheepish. “Yeah, just... you know, you’re my favourite. Can’t help myself.”
“Ouch,” Beth said across the table. Alessia couldn’t help but laugh.
They were all talking as normal - herself, Leah, Beth, and Viv - but there was a bit of awkwardness there too. It was out of character for Leah to act so extra. Usually, she would be sitting alone and away from everyone, not acting like this.
Some of the team, picking up on the unusual behaviour, exchanged knowing glances, some trying to hide their grins. It was all in good fun, of course, but by the end of the night, Alessia had finally had enough. She gently nudged Leah away, joking, “Alright, personal space, please.”
Leah just rolled her eyes, clearly enjoying the whole thing a bit more than she let on. And then she disappeared and sat next to Lia, and by the brunette’s reaction, Leah started to get on her nerves too.
****
Alessia decided to recharge by spending her break in Italy with her family. The warm sun, delicious food, and the feeling of home were just what she needed to hit reset. The long walks through cobblestone streets, evenings filled with laughter around the dinner table, and of course, her nonna’s homemade pasta, were the reasons she loved coming back each year.
The time away from football allowed Alessia to enjoy some well-deserved downtime. She spent her days catching up with her relatives, visiting the local markets, gelato by the beach, and quiet afternoons sipping espresso at little cafés.
But as much as she loved relaxing, Alessia couldn’t wait to return back to Arsenal. The team was heading to the States for a series of training sessions and friendly matches, and she couldn’t wait to get back to work with her teammates.
****
“Oi, Less!” Leah shouted across the room. They had just finished their last team meeting before travelling to America and were waiting to get on the coach.
Alessia turned her head away from Kathrine after they finished their conversation and looked Leah’s way. She raised an eyebrow, a little confused about Leah's tone.
“Sit with me?” Leah asked, with a small smile on her face.
“With that attitude? No way!” Alessia jokes, but she meant it. And she made an enemy out of Beth, who ended up with Leah next to her on the coach. Even though Beth loves to talk and never really knows how to shut up, when Leah is in one of her moods, she is a lot worse than Beth.
Beth caught Alessia’s eye as she was heading for the empty seat next to Lotte. “Count your days, Russo.”
She couldn’t help but laugh.
After playing a few different card games with Lotte, she finally pulled out her phone and spent some time going through Instagram and a few other apps. Just as she was about to turn her phone off to try and nap before they arrived at the airport, her phone buzzed and she let out a sigh.
Shock, it was Leah.
Leah Williamson: Sorry about before. Can you pleaseeeee sit next to me on the plane? :)
Alessia Russo: Okay. Since you asked so nicely.
Leah Williamson: Yayyy
Alessia rolled her eyes and switched her phone off. She was such a kid.