Arsenal thrash Spurs to secure north London derby win

Updated: Nov 16, 2024, 03:56 pm

Alessia Russo scored inside two minutes of the north London derby as Arsenal claimed 3-0 victory over Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. 

Goals from Frida Maanum and Stina Blackstenius added to Spurs' woes that have seen them win just one of their last five Women's Super League (WSL) fixtures. 

It took Russo just 63 seconds to put Arsenal ahead when she latched onto Mariona Caldentey's through ball and fired past Becky Spencer from 12 yards.

"Today was massive," Russo said. "Not only is it another step in the league and the journey we are on but it's a derby.

"When you come to the club you know the standards and this is one of them. We knew what it [defeat] felt like and wanted to put it right. Enjoying myself and want to get better each day."

Alessia Russo scored Arsenal's opening goal in 63 seconds.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

The Spurs defence was breached again in the 22nd minute, as Maanum smoothly controlled Kim Little's pass and planted her shot in the bottom-left corner.

Arsenal's interim manager Renee Slegers extended her unbeaten run since taking over from Jonas Eidevall, and substitute Blackstenius proved her talent once again, scoring with her third touch of the ball after coming off the bench. 

"We are a little bit more confident," Russo told BBC Sport of Slegers time in charge. "Things don't change overnight. She has allowed us a little bit of freedom up there and each game is getting better and better.

"It's been good to get a bit of consistency. We have to many talented forwards. It's learning each other's strengths and how we can play off each other."

The three points move Arsenal to fourth in the WSL table, while Spurs sit seventh with seven points.