Arsenal claim back North London

Photo: Jess Naz (left) and Katie McCabe (right). Credit @beadovalephotos

By Katie Vince (17/11/24)

Tottenham Hotspur 0-3 Arsenal

Teams:

TOTTENHAM-  B.Spencer, M.Bartrip, A.Nildén, J.Naz, H.Raso, B.England (C), C.Hunt, L.Bühler, D.Spence, E.Summanen, A.Neville

Substitutes used- O.Ahtinen, M.Thomas, M.Vinberg, L.Gunning-Williams

ARSENAL- D.Van Domselaar, E.Fox, L.Williamson, S.Catley, M.Caldentey, K.Little (C), K.McCabe, F.Maanum, L.Wälti, C.Foord, A.Russo

Substitutes used- K.Cooney-Cross, S.Blackstenius, B.Mead, R.Kafaji, L.Wubben-Moy

Scorers: A.Russo (2’), F.Maanum (22’), S.Blackstenius (66’)

Attendance: 28,852

Arsenal continue their 6 game unbeaten streak as they face Tottenham Hotspur for the North London Derby. After losing to Spurs during this fixture last season, Arsenal look for a chance at redemption. The game ends 3-0, with 3 different goal scorers, and 3 points for the Gunners. 

Tottenham Hotspur hosted the first North London Derby of the season, hoping to repeat their historic win over the reds from last year. With a rocky start to the season for both teams, the fixture was thought to be a difficult one. However, it didn’t take long to discover who would control the game; it took 63 seconds to be precise. Alessia Russo opened the scoreboard for the Gunners as she scored the second fastest goal ever in the Women’s Super League.

Arsenal continued to put pressure on Spurs, pushing a high line and posing a real attacking threat. As the ball was passed back to Van Domselaar, Jessica Naz followed it and put pressure on the keeper. It was handled well and Arsenal continued their attack, with Emily Fox looking to score Arsenal’s second. Her shot was blocked by the Spurs’ backline, as well as her attempted pass to Russo. 

Spurs didn't seem to be posing any real attacking threat, with Naz being the only player to attempt to break through. She hit a promising cross into the opposition’s box, but it was cleared by their defence.

The Gunners took advantage of the gaps in the home side’s defence, as Frida Maanum hit the back of the net 22 minutes in, assisted by Kim Little, to score their second. Arsenal continued to present as the stronger team on the pitch, as their relentless attack saw Spurs struggle. 

However, Spurs capitalised on a defensive error from Kim Little, seeing Drew Spence intercept and pass the ball through to Bethany England. England sent a rocket towards the goal from outside the box, which forced Van Domselaar to make a fantastic save to prevent it hitting the back of the net.

Kim Little was the first substitution made at half-time, with Kyra Cooney-Cross replacing her, and Leah Williamson taking the captain’s armband. As the second-half kicked off, Spurs looked stronger and ready for a comeback. They posed a real attacking threat and managed to get the ball up in the box, but it was given away by Nildén. However, their attack continued to cause problems for Arsenal as Naz broke through the back-line, but the flag was lifted for offside.

After this, further substitutions were made for Arsenal, with Russo and Foord making way for Blackstenius and Mead. Blackstenius immediately made an impact, as she aimed to finish Katie McCabe’s cross, but just hitting it over the crossbar. It didn't take long for her to come back; in the 66th minute, just three minutes after she was subbed on, Blackstenius beat the goalkeeper to score Arsenal’s third and final goal of the afternoon.

After conceding three goals, The Lilywhites finally made their first substitutions; including Martha Thomas who scored the winner against Arsenal last season. Unfortunately, it was not enough to beat The Gunners this time around. The full time whistle was blown and Arsenal painted North London red once again.