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Tottenham stunned Arsenal with a 1-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, claiming their first WSL win over their north London rivals.
Arsenal were hoping to build on last weekend’s 4-1 win over WSL title rivals Chelsea by moving three points clear at the top, but found themselves frustrated by a Spurs side who had never kept a clean sheet against their rivals.
Spurs made Arsenal pay for a raft of missed chances when they broke the deadlock just before the hour with one of the team goals of the season. Martha Thomas finished it off with a first-time finish that proved to be the winner.
Saturday marked one of Spurs’ performances of the season as they ended a five-game winless run in the league. They remain in sixth, while Arsenal stay in second behind Chelsea after suffering their first defeat since losing to Liverpool on the opening day of the season.
Martha Thomas gives Tottenham the advantage in the north London derby
How Spurs stunned Arsenal
Arsenal were unable to channel the same clinical performance that saw them thrash title rivals Chelsea last Sunday in the first half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both teams seemed to have figured each other out after Arsenal’s penalties win in the Conti Cup on Wednesday.
That was down, in large part, to Tottenham containing Arsenal’s wide threat. The Gunners still had their chances, but it took until three minutes before the break to hit the target. Caitlin Foord came closest, striking the post with Spurs goalkeeper Barbora Votikova beaten.
Spurs, who had gone 16 games without a clean sheet ahead of this game, were able to frustrate Arsenal but offered very little at the other end in the first period. Bethany England had a tame shot saved but there was little else to speak of.
Sky Sports pundit Karen Carney was impressed by the way Spurs approached the first half, saying: “This is the best I’ve seen Tottenham in a while. They’ve been really brave in possession.” Spurs were rewarded for their bravery after the break.
Spurs goalkeeper Votikova, making her debut, kept her side level with key saves after the restart as Arsenal pushed for a breakthrough. The visitors struggled to find a clear opening and when they did Alessia Russo headed wide from inside the area.
Arsenal could not break down Spurs’ defence and were then punished for their profligacy before the hour. Spurs produced a flowing team move, which began in their own box, and was completed by Thomas after a one-two with Celin Bizet.
Despite the beautiful opener, that will be a contender for team goal of the season, Votikova will be remembered as the hero for Spurs as she kept out efforts from Russo and Kyra Cooney-Cross. Arsenal kept pushing but never looked convincing in the final third.
What’s next?
Women’s football now takes a break until mid-January. Tottenham return on Sunday January 14 with their FA Cup fixture against Sheffield United. They then return to Sky Sports on Sunday January 21 when they travel to West Ham in the WSL; kick-off 6.45pm.
Arsenal also return with an FA Cup fixture on Sunday January 14 as they host Watford. They are back in WSL action on Saturday January 20 as they host Everton; kick-off 2pm.
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