Arsenal 3-0 Tottenham (16 Nov 2024) Match Analysis

On By Littum

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

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

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

“Today was massive,” Russo said. “It’s not just another step in the league and the journey we’re on, but it’s a derby.

“When you come to the club you know the standards and this is one of them. We knew how it (defeat) felt and wanted to put it right. Enjoying myself and wanting to get better every day.”

Alessia Russo scored Arsenal’s opening goal in 63 seconds.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

The Spurs defense was breached again in the 22nd minute when Maanum evenly controlled Kim Little’s pass and planted her shot into the bottom left corner.

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

“We’re a bit more confident,” Russo told BBC Sport of Slegers in charge. “Things don’t change overnight. She’s given us a little bit of freedom up there and every game is getting better and better.

“It’s been good to get some consistency. We’re going to have a lot of talented forwards. It’s learning each other’s strengths and how we can play off each other.”

The three points move Arsenal into fourth place in the WSL table, while Spurs are in seventh place with seven points.