Arsenal ended their five-game winless run in the Women’s Super League with a 2-1 north London derby victory over Tottenham, easing pressure on head coach Renée Slegers.
The Gunners had won only once in their opening six league games and started the weekend eighth, six points behind fourth-placed Spurs. They fell behind to Cathinka Tandberg’s 13th-minute header but Georgia Stanway equalised four minutes later before Alessia Russo converted a second-half penalty.
Tottenham started brightly and exposed Arsenal’s defensive weaknesses in transition, but their intensity faded as the first half progressed. Russo was denied by an outstanding Lize Kop save after the break before scoring from the spot in the 56th minute, after the ball struck substitute Ella Morris’ outstretched hand during a scramble from a corner.
The penalty decision was a harsh one but Russo, who has missed some big chances in recent games, made no mistake to give 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 for the offside flag to deny them. Arsenal held on for a much-needed win, offering some breathing room after a dismal start.
Key moments from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
13: GOAL! Tandberg fires Tottenham ahead as Pelova’s corner catches Arsenal out.
17: GOAL! Stanway levels for Arsenal with a powerful strike after Russo’s pass.
50: Sombath is stretchered off following an injury, with Morris coming on for Tottenham.
54: WHAT A SAVE! Kop makes an outstanding one-on-one save to deny Russo after Foord pulls the ball back.
56: GOAL! Russo sends Kop the wrong way from the penalty spot to put Arsenal ahead after the ball strikes Morris’ hand in the box.
What the result means…
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