Spurs seal first-ever North London Derby victory in the WSL after defeating Arsenal 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
In a match where they were dominant for large stretches, title chasers Arsenal were wasteful in front of goal and failed to capitalize on multiple goalscoring opportunities.
Arsenal had plenty of possession in the opening stages of the game and were able to win the ball back with relative ease.
Caitlin Foord’s deflected effort fell just short of the goal and from the resulting corner Alessia Russo headed wide from close range. The England international would have felt she should have done better.
Foord got even closer soon after. The Australian cut in from the left wing and struck the post with a curled effort that had Barbora Votìková beaten.
Frida Maanum also forced a good save from Votìková in the Tottenham goal.
Spurs offered little in the first half from an attacking standpoint yet did a good job at frustrating the Arsenal forwards with a resolute defence.
Bethany England fired straight at Manuela Zinsberger from a tight angle while Kit Graham had a long-range effort clear the crossbar.
Arsenal continued their pressure from the first half, looking to break Tottenham’s resolve.
Maanum again had her effort saved by Votìková, this time at the Spurs keeper’s near post. Soon after Russo headed wide.
Despite all the Arsenal pressure, it was Tottenham who took the lead in the 59th minute.
A brilliant move that built from the back, Celin Bizet eventually found Martha Thomas in the box who slid between Lotte Wubben-Moy and Amanda Ilestedt to score her 7th goal in the WSL this season.
In response to going behind, Arsenal brought on Kyra Cooney-Cross, Vivianne Miedema and Stina Blackstenius for Victoria Pelova, Frida Maanum and Lia Walti but these subs had little impact for the WSL title chasers.
Arsenal struggled to create many clear-cut chances after conceding and the Tottenham defence held strong to secure a first North London Derby victory in the WSL.
Spurs almost made it 2-0 in the dying seconds of the game. With Zinsberger up for a last-minute Arsenal corner, Spurs sought to capitalize. Rosella Ayane thought she was in to score but was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Cloe Lacasse
This defeat for Arsenal will give Chelsea added insensitive to restore their three-point lead at the top of the WSL table tomorrow against Bristol City while Spurs remain in 6th place but draw level on points with Liverpool.
After the game, Spurs head coach Robert Vilahamn described the goal as “how a Tottenham Hotspur team should score a goal”. These players are brave, and I love brave players.
He also added “Today was about being smart with defensive work and smart with the build-up play.
We used Wednesday’s game as a training session and helped us develop a game plan for today.”
Arenal Head Coach Jonas Eidevall said after the game “The most important aspect is what you create versus your opponent creates. We played well enough to win the match today.”
When asked about Arsenal’s press he said “We were not as strong today as we were against Chelsea. We won the ball in good spaces but were unable to capitalize on that.”
Starting XI
Arsenal: Zinsberger (GK) McCabe (Lacasse 89) Wubben-Moy, Ilestedt, Catley, Walti (Blackstenius 80) Pelova (Cooney-Cross 65) Maanum (Miedema 65) Mead, Russo, Foord
Subs not used: D’Angelo(GK), Beattie, Condina
Tottenham Hotspur: VotÍková (GK), James, Bühler (Turner 19) Bartip, Neville, Petzelberger, Graham, Thomas(Percival 86),Bitzet, (Ayane 90+5) Clinton, England(Naz 45)
Subs Not used: Spencer (GK), Zadorsky, Ale, Brazil, Pearse
