Arsenal delivered a dominant performance in the Women’s Super League north London derby, defeating Tottenham 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium. This victory was not just another win but marked an emotional moment for Chloe Kelly, who made her second debut for Arsenal after her deadline-day loan move from Manchester City. Her return was highly anticipated, and as she stepped onto the pitch in the 60th minute, the crowd erupted in applause. Despite missing out on the FA Cup due to her cup-tied status, Kelly’s presence added a spark to an already dominant Arsenal performance.
The game was a showcase of Arsenal’s complete control. From the first whistle, they were relentless in both attack and defense. The Gunners completely overpowered Tottenham in the first half, dominating possession with more than 72% of the ball. Tottenham struggled to keep up, and the stats told the story: Arsenal registered 15 shots to Tottenham’s two and had 31 touches inside the opposition’s box, while Spurs could only manage two. The team’s pressing game was aggressive, forcing Tottenham into numerous mistakes.
Arsenal’s first goal came in the 15th minute. Kyra Cooney-Cross delivered a precise cross from the right, which Alessia Russo headed toward goal. The ball deflected off Tottenham defender Clare Hunt’s thigh and into the net. It was a fortunate opener, but Arsenal had been the better side, and the goal was a deserved reward for their dominance.
As the first half continued, the Gunners kept up the pressure. Mariona Caldentey had a shot blocked by Hunt, but she quickly reacted, seizing the loose ball and firing it past goalkeeper Lize Kop to double the lead. Tottenham’s defense, under heavy pressure, was failing to contain the attacking onslaught, and Arsenal should have been further ahead by halftime.
The second half saw more of the same, with Arsenal scoring twice in the first 15 minutes. A Frida Maanum shot took a heavy deflection off Clare Hunt and sailed into the net for Arsenal’s third, and Russo then added a fourth, firing a low shot into the far corner. At 4-0, the game was effectively over, and the home crowd was already celebrating a comprehensive victory.
Kelly’s introduction was the highlight of the final 30 minutes. Her return to the pitch for Arsenal was greeted with excitement, as it had been almost seven years since she had last worn the red shirt, back when she scored in a 10-0 FA Cup win over Tottenham. With the game already in hand, Kelly added another dimension to Arsenal’s attack, though a late shot hitting the bar denied her the perfect return.
Tottenham’s attempts to get back into the game were few and far between. Their best opportunity came in the 65th minute when Drew Spence’s header from a corner was saved by Daphne van Domselaar. It was one of only two shots on target for Spurs. Arsenal’s defense remained resolute, and they closed out the game in style. Emily Fox capped the performance with a stunning long-range strike that flew into the top corner, making it 5-0 and sealing a comprehensive victory.
For Tottenham, the defeat was a harsh reality check. Manager Robert Vilahamn had stressed the importance of defensive solidity, but his side was overwhelmed by Arsenal’s intensity. While Tottenham’s possession-based approach could be part of their future strategy, they struggled to implement it against a team in such clinical form. The heavy defeat leaves much for Vilahamn to reflect on, as he continues to build his identity with the team. For Arsenal, this performance demonstrated their title aspirations and served as a reminder of their dominance in the WSL, with their ninth win in 11 league encounters against Tottenham solidifying their status as one of the league’s most formidable sides.
