Arsenal get much needed win in north London derby
Arsenal claimed a 2-1 victory in the first north London derby of the season after turning around an early 1-0 deficit.
Cathinka Tandberg put the hosts ahead when she headed home from a superb Victoria Pelova cross after 13 minutes.
However, Arsenal levelled the game four minutes later as Georgia Stanway thundered home Alessia Russo’s pass.
It was Russo who condemned Spurs to derby defeat, converting a penalty after 56 minutes. Ella Morris was penalised for handball after Drew Spence’s clearance struck her hand.
Here’s five takeaways from the WSL clash…
Is this a turning point for Arsenal?
This was Arsenal’s first league win since the opening day of the season and, while it was not a dominant victory, it was a much-needed one.
Pressure has been building on manager Renée Slegers and a derby victory on the road will certainly alleviate some of that.
Their next five fixtures include trips to Liverpool and Barcelona, as well as home games against London City Lionesses, Benfica and Aston Villa. The confidence boost from this win may prove vital.
Super Stanway
This game could have been very different if it were not for Georgia Stanway. It was her goal that levelled the affair and she was integral in the move that led to the corner from which Arsenal won their penalty for the second.
Throughout the game, she conducted the Arsenal midfield with her passing and was especially impressive in advanced areas, spreading the play and keeping her side on the front foot.
Spurs not yet ready to challenge for Champions League
Spurs boss Martin Ho questioned in midweek whether his side are ready to take the next step and challenge for the top three. This result proved that.
A home game against a struggling Arsenal side presented the perfect opportunity to improve their dreadful record in the north London derby. Yet they could not capitalise.
Despite playing some very nice football at times and making the game uncomfortable for their rivals, they ultimately lacked the potency to claim a result.
Russo-Stanway connection is crucial for Arsenal
England team-mates Russo and Stanway’s connection was pivotal in Arsenal’s victory.
The pair’s link-up was first seen after nine minutes as Russo found the midfielder’s run with a clever pass, yet Stanway could not convert.
That was a warning sign for Spurs and eight minutes later Russo found Stanway again. This time, after the former had made a run deep into the opposition area, her pass to Stanway on the edge of the box was smashed home to pull Arsenal level with their rivals.
Spurs’ lack of attacking threat needs attention
After 65 minutes, Spurs had managed just one shot from inside the Arsenal area. They did have three other attempts throughout the game, but they were speculative at best. Combined, they totalled an xG of just 0.15.
They failed to truly test Misa in the Arsenal goal and made the defence’s afternoon too easy.
Tandberg’s header in the 13th minute, which gave them the lead, was the only shot they managed on target and that had come directly from a corner.
