Tottenham shocked Arsenal with a 1-0 win on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, claiming their first WSL win over their north London rivals.
Arsenal have been hoping to construct on final weekend’s 4-1 win over WSL title rivals Chelsea by shifting three factors clear on the high, however discovered themselves pissed off by a Spurs facet who had by no means saved a clear sheet towards their rivals.
Spurs made Arsenal pay for a raft of missed probabilities once they broke the impasse simply earlier than the hour with one of many crew targets of the season. Martha Thomas completed it off with a first-time end that proved to be the winner.
Saturday marked one in every of Spurs’ performances of the season as they ended a five-game winless run within the league. They continue to be in sixth, whereas Arsenal keep in second behind Chelsea after struggling their first defeat since dropping to Liverpool on the opening day of the season.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Martha Thomas provides Tottenham the benefit within the north London derby
How Spurs shocked Arsenal
Arsenal have been unable to channel the identical scientific efficiency that noticed them thrash title rivals Chelsea final Sunday within the first half on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Each groups appeared to have figured one another out after Arsenal’s penalties win within the Conti Cup on Wednesday.
That was down, largely, to Tottenham containing Arsenal’s large risk. The Gunners nonetheless had their probabilities, nevertheless it took till three minutes earlier than the break to hit the goal. Caitlin Foord got here closest, hanging the submit with Spurs goalkeeper Barbora Votikova overwhelmed.
Spurs, who had gone 16 video games with no clear sheet forward of this sport, have been capable of frustrate Arsenal however supplied little or no on the different finish within the first interval. Bethany England had a tame shot saved however there was little else to talk of.
Sky Sports activities pundit Karen Carney was impressed by the way in which Spurs approached the primary half, saying: “This is the best I’ve seen Tottenham in a while. They’ve been really brave in possession.” Spurs have been rewarded for his or her bravery after the break.
Spurs goalkeeper Votikova, making her debut, saved her facet stage with key saves after the restart as Arsenal pushed for a breakthrough. The guests struggled to discover a clear opening and once they did Alessia Russo headed large from inside the world.
Arsenal couldn’t break down Spurs’ defence and have been then punished for his or her profligacy earlier than the hour. Spurs produced a flowing crew transfer, which started in their very own field, and was accomplished by Thomas after a one-two with Celin Bizet.
Regardless of the attractive opener, that shall be a contender for crew objective of the season, Votikova shall be remembered because the hero for Spurs as she saved out efforts from Russo and Kyra Cooney-Cross. Arsenal saved pushing however by no means seemed convincing within the ultimate third.
What’s next?
Ladies’s soccer now takes a break till mid-January. Tottenham return on Sunday January 14 with their FA Cup fixture towards Sheffield United. They then return to Sky Sports activities on Sunday January 21 once they journey to West Ham within the WSL; kick-off 6.45pm.
Arsenal additionally return with an FA Cup fixture on Sunday January 14 as they host Watford. They’re again in WSL motion on Saturday January 20 as they host Everton; kick-off 2pm.
