Arsenal end five-game WSL winless run with north London derby fightback at Tottenham
Arsenal ended a five-game winless run in the Women's Super League with a 2-1 comeback victory over rivals Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, a result that brought a visible release of pressure on manager Renee Slegers and her players.
The Gunners had started the day in the bottom half of the table, four points off fourth-placed Tottenham and 12 points behind leaders Manchester City, with their title ambitions in ruins and questions mounting over Slegers' future. But a first WSL win in six matches — and an 11th victory in 14 north London derbies in the competition (D2 L1) — changed the mood.
Tandberg opener, Stanway response
Spurs took the lead in the 13th minute through Cathinka Tandberg's header, but the advantage lasted just four minutes as Georgia Stanway's powerful strike, assisted by Alessia Russo, restored parity.
The first half was disjointed for the visitors, with misplaced passes and sloppy errors reflecting low confidence. Slegers, asked what she told the players at the break, said: “I just gave constructive and tactical things that could help us to get the win, and remind us about the fight and intensity on the pitch. It was a real derby. The team were in a good place and were finding solutions themselves. It was just constructive messaging.”
Russo settles it from the spot
Arsenal were much improved after the interval and got their winner just before the hour mark. Referee Phoebe Cross pointed to the spot when Lisa Baum's shot came back off the post and Tandberg's clearance struck the outstretched hand of Spurs defender Ella Morris. Russo, who had missed a big chance moments earlier, made no mistake, sending goalkeeper Lize Kop the wrong way.
“I've worked on it in training, first and foremost,” Russo said. “I think we knew some of us were going to have to step up today in different moments. It's been tough for us, there's no denying. Whether it was Foordy stepping up, Misa making saves, me on the pen – everyone stepped up. We've got injuries right now as well. I'm happy to play where I'm needed. I'm a nine but if I'm needed deeper, that's what I'll do. We have different players that can play in different places. I'll give all I can to this team.”
The England striker was the match's standout performer, accounting for 1.21 of Arsenal's 2.24 expected goals, creating a game-high three chances and winning seven of her 12 duels. She has now scored more WSL goals against Tottenham (nine) than any other opponent. Arsenal restricted Spurs to just one shot on target — their goal — and won the xG battle 2.24 to 0.3.
'Pure joy and happiness'
At full time, Arsenal's players ran to the away end to celebrate, abandoning their usual centre-pitch huddle. Leah Williamson joined Russo in an emotional outburst, and Slegers stood back to let her squad enjoy the moment.
“I'm so happy we got it for them. We said we would play for the fans,” Slegers said. “We sold out the away section, they came in the rain and sang and fought with us throughout the game... At the end, it was scrappy and it was game management and they were all there with us. You could see how the team responded and how they were with the fans. It was pure joy and happiness. We want to capitalise on these emotions.”
Former Arsenal defender Gilly Flaherty, on BBC One, said the visitors were “causing their own problems” in an unconvincing first half, while Slegers admitted: “The fans were on our minds. We wanted to play for something bigger, not only for ourselves... Actions speak louder than words. There was not much more talking to do so we just wanted to celebrate with them. We had a run of games where results haven't been good enough. It was frustrating for everyone. This will definitely energise us.”
What's next
The win lifted Arsenal to sixth in the WSL, one point and two places behind Tottenham. With their title hopes effectively over, a top-three finish to secure European football next season is now the priority. Slegers welcomed a busy run, with a Women's Champions League tie at home to Benfica on Wednesday, four home games in November and a trip to Barcelona — all chances to build momentum.
“Happiness mainly. I see the fans and what it means for them,” Slegers said. “I'm happy for the players, who stuck in, in a really difficult period for us. There were good moments from us. It was a step in the right direction. Very happy with the win but we have to back it up. Things in different phases were good. We were brave in our press. We did well playing around them and dominating the ball. We created fewer shots than last week but we weren't expecting to. The opportunities created were good.”