Arsenal ended their five-game winless run in the Women’s Super League with a 2-1 north London derby victory over Tottenham, easing the pressure on manager Renée Slegers.
The Gunners had won just once in their opening six league games and started the weekend in eighth place, six points behind fourth-placed Spurs. They fell behind to Cathinka Tandberg’s 13th-minute header, but Georgia Stanway leveled four minutes later before Alessia Russo converted a second-half penalty.
Tottenham started brightly and exposed Arsenal’s defensive frailties in transition, but their intensity faded as the first half progressed. Russo was denied by a superb save from Lize Kop after the break before scoring from the spot in the 56th minute after the ball hit the outstretched hand of substitute Ella Morris during a corner.
The penalty decision was harsh but Russo, who has missed some big chances in recent games, made no mistake in giving Arsenal the lead.
Spurs pushed for an equaliser, with Shekiera Martinez having the ball in the net from close range in the 82nd minute, only to be denied by the offside flag. Arsenal held on for a much-needed win, providing some breathing room after a dismal start.
Highlights from Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium…
13: GOAL! Tandberg puts Tottenham ahead, while Pelova’s corner catches Arsenal wide.
17: GOAL! Stanway equalizes for Arsenal with a powerful strike after Russo’s pass.
50: Sombath is stretchered off with an injury, with Morris coming on for Tottenham.
54: WHAT A SAVE! Kop makes a superb one-on-one save to deny Russo after Foord pulled the ball back.
56: GOAL! Russo sends Kop the wrong way from the penalty spot to give Arsenal the lead as the ball takes a handball from Morris in the box.
Analysis: Arsenal just revived their season with derby win?
Sky Sports’ William Bitibiri:
“Could this be when Arsenal’s season finally kicks off? A win in the North London derby could be just what Renée Slegers needed.
“Arsenal arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under real pressure, without a win in five WSL games and with just five goals in six games.
Defeat would have intensified questions about Slegers’ future. Instead, her side showed much-needed resilience to come from behind and claim three big points.
“It wasn’t perfect. Arsenal looked nervous early on, conceded corners and were vulnerable in transition.
But Georgia Stanway’s response was emphatic, while Alessia Russo provided the decisive moment from the penalty spot after being denied by Lize Kop moments earlier.
“The result will be a confidence boost, especially for Russo, who has struggled for her usual clinical edge. A derby win can change the mood around a club and the traveling fans made their relief clear.
“Now Arsenal have to build on it. A win won’t fix their season, but it could be the turning point Slegers desperately need.”
Slegers: We have to support him
Arsenal the head coach Renee Slegers speaking to BBC Sport:
“I’m happy because I see the fans and what it means to them. We were playing for the fans today. I’m happy for the players, who are stuck in a really difficult period for us.
“I’m glad they got the reward for all their work. There were some good moments from us today. It was a step in the right direction and I’m very happy with the win, but now we have to back it up in the next two games.
“I think we were bold in our press and connected in those decisions. We did well playing around them, dominating the ball in phases and looking for the things that work for us.
“We created good opportunities, great opportunities, with which I am satisfied.”
What does the result mean…
