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 prime, however discovered themselves pissed off by a Spurs aspect who had by no means stored a clear sheet in opposition to 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 group targets of the season. Martha Thomas completed it off with a first-time end that proved to be the winner.
Saturday marked certainly one 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.
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Martha Thomas provides Tottenham the benefit within the north London derby
How Spurs shocked Arsenal
Arsenal have been unable to channel the identical medical 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 vast risk. The Gunners nonetheless had their probabilities, but it surely took till three minutes earlier than the break to hit the goal. Caitlin Foord got here closest, placing the submit with Spurs goalkeeper Barbora Votikova crushed.
Spurs, who had gone 16 video games with no clear sheet forward of this recreation, have been in a position to frustrate Arsenal however provided 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: “That is one of the best I’ve seen Tottenham shortly. They have been actually courageous in possession.” Spurs have been rewarded for his or her bravery after the break.
Spurs goalkeeper Votikova, making her debut, stored her aspect degree 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 vast from inside the realm.
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 group transfer, which started in their very own field, and was accomplished by Thomas after a one-two with Celin Bizet.
Regardless of the gorgeous opener, that shall be a contender for group purpose of the season, Votikova shall be remembered because the hero for Spurs as she stored out efforts from Russo and Kyra Cooney-Cross. Arsenal stored pushing however by no means appeared convincing within the ultimate third.
What’s subsequent?
Girls’s soccer now takes a break till mid-January. Tottenham return on Sunday January 14 with their FA Cup fixture in opposition to 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.