LONDON — Arsenal came from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday to claim a first win in six Women's Super League matches and deliver a huge release of pressure. The north London derby victory, confirmed on the final whistle, sparked passionate celebrations as Arsenal's players ran towards the away end.
Tottenham had taken the lead through a header from Cathinka Tandberg, but Arsenal were level just four minutes later when Georgia Stanway fired home a powerful strike. The winner arrived in the second half after referee Phoebe Cross pointed to the spot when Lisa Baum's shot bounced off the post and Tandberg's clearance struck the outstretched hand of team-mate Ella Morris nearby. Alessia Russo, who had missed a big chance moments earlier, slotted the penalty past goalkeeper Lize Kop.
The result carried extra weight given Arsenal's difficult start. They had failed to win their previous five WSL matches and had beaten only Brighton, starting the day in the bottom half of the table, four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham and 12 points behind leaders Manchester City. With title ambitions in ruins, manager Renee Slegers had been facing weekly questions about her future. When asked what she said at half-time, Slegers revealed: "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."
Arsenal were much improved after the break, putting more pressure on Tottenham before Russo's decisive penalty. Slegers stood back as her players enjoyed the adulation from supporters who had sold out the away section in the rain. "I'm so happy we got it for them. We said we would play for the fans. We played for them and connected with them," said Slegers. "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." She added the side had abandoned their usual post-match huddle to celebrate with fans, saying: "Actions speak louder than words."
Arsenal had looked nervy in a disjointed first half with misplaced passes and poor clearances, and they had to cling on late, but Slegers believes the win can be a catalyst. Arsenal are now set to embark on a busy period with a Women's Champions League fixture against Benfica on Wednesday, followed by four home games in November and a trip to Barcelona. With their WSL title hopes fading, a top-three finish remains imperative to secure European football next season. "We need to back this up in the next couple of games," Slegers said. "We want to be more consistent but this was a really good step. It's positive energy we want to capitalise on, but it's only a step."