Arsenal lost to Tottenham for the first time in the Women’s Super League (WSL), as Liverpool, Roma and Paris Saint-Germain came from behind. With most leagues across Europe preparing to taking a mini-break over the holiday period, there was still time for some surprising results and eye-catching performances before domestic duties turned in for their annual hibernations.
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Spurs claim North London honours over Arsenal
For as long as Arsenal have had a women’s team (36 years), North London has been red as meetings between the Gunners and Tottenham have been few and far between until 2019 when Spurs finally made it into the WSL. Even in their professional era, Tottenham have been a step or two behind the most-decorated club in the country, failing to beat Arsenal in their first seven WSL meetings.
But Spurs are currently undergoing a club-wide evolution, finding their footing in a more attacking style, and sealed their first-ever win over their local rivals on Saturday. Admittedly, the hosts were forced to defend for much of the 1-0 win, but the only goal of the game was notable for how it was scored.
A flowing move saw Spurs ping the ball around, beating the Arsenal press to bring it forward, and Celin Bizet’s sideways pass to Martha Thomas saw the striker hit the back of the net. Bizet and Thomas’ rich vein of form is a direct result of Robert Vilahamn’s tutorage and though Spurs are far from the finished article, there is plenty to suggest they are set up well for the future.
