Arsenal delivered an emphatic performance against their north London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, with a 5-0 victory on Sunday, revitalizing their Women’s Super League title ambitions. The match at the Emirates Stadium showcased standout performances, particularly from Alessia Russo and the returning Chloe Kelly.
Arsenal wasted no time in exploiting weaknesses in Tottenham’s defense, with Russo involved in the opening goal just 14 minutes in. A cross from Kyra Cooney-Cross was deflected into the net by Clare Hunt, giving the Gunners an early lead. Mariona Caldentey doubled their advantage in the 35th minute, striking from 14 yards despite an effort by Spurs goalkeeper Lize Kop to keep it out.
Tottenham struggled defensively throughout the match, and Arsenal capitalized six minutes after half-time when Frida Maanum’s shot deflected past Kop to make it 3-0. As Spurs pushed to get back into the match, Arsenal found significant space, leading to Caitlin Foord setting up Russo for a simple finish in the 58th minute, further extending their lead.
Emily Fox added to the scoreline with a stunning long-range effort, marking her first goal in the WSL. Although Chloe Kelly, making her long-awaited return after 2,815 days, came close to scoring, hitting the crossbar instead, her presence added a feel-good factor to the team.
Following the match, Kelly expressed her excitement about playing in the North London derby, appreciating the warm welcome she received at the club and the strong spirit within the team. The victory places Arsenal eight points behind leaders Chelsea, while Tottenham remains sixth in the standings.
This impressive showing indicates Arsenal’s potential as they continue to challenge for the WSL title, with the return of key players like Kelly and the emergence of talent such as Russo promising a brighter future for the team.
Overall, the match highlights not just Arsenal’s capabilities on the field but also the depth and competitiveness within their squad as they look to build momentum in the remainder of the season.