**Arsenal ended their five-match winless run in the WSL this afternoon, coming from behind to pick up a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.**
Tottenham opened the scoring early on in the clash with a goal from Cathinka Tandberg, putting the Lilywhites ahead, though immediate retaliation from Georgia Stanway would see the forward set the scoreline level.
A second-half penalty allowed the Gunners to take the lead as Alessia Russo sent the keeper the wrong way, a pivotal moment for Arsenal in their first league win since the opening match of the season.
Eight minutes into play, Arsenal looked to make an impact as Stanway and Alessia Russo combined well to open up the Spurs defence. After finding space in the area, Stanway looked to capitalise, though her effort was saved by the keeper, who then dropped the ball.
Smith then got a touch on the ball, capitalising on Lize Kop’s mistake, though the keeper managed to scramble and turn it behind, denying the Gunners the opening goal.
Minutes later, Tottenham managed to break the deadlock when Victoria Pelova whipped in a corner cross, finding Tandberg at the centre of the box, outmuscling her marker as she headed home a powerful shot.
Though it wouldn’t take long before Arsenal retaliated, an emphatic strike from Stanway set the scoreline level as the 27-year-old scored her first WSL goal for the Gunners.
Toko Koga would be shown the first yellow card of the North London derby after bringing down Olivia Smith, though Steph Catley’s delivery from the resulting free-kick was poor as her effort fell straight to Kop. Pelova would find herself at the edge of the Arsenal box just after the 30-minute mark, though her effort would be futile after her shot from range soared well over the crossbar.
With half-time looming, Eveliina Summanen would receive the Lilywhites’ second yellow card of the half after catching Georgia Stanway with a late challenge. Spurs were forced into a change minutes into the second half, with Ella Morris replacing Alice Sombath as the French centre-back was stretchered off.
Elsewhere on the pitch, Koga was forced to produce a fantastic block to prevent Olivia Smith’s attempt after Emily Fox drilled a ball into the area, finding the forward before the 20-year-old put an end to the danger.
It was a spectacular save from Kop after Arsenal cut through Spurs; Foord pulled back a cross to Russo, who was forced into a one-on-one with the keeper as Kop came out on top.
Though the Dutch keeper wouldn’t remain victorious for long after a penalty was awarded to the Gunners following a handball from Morris, Russo stepped up to the spot and rolled the ball into the bottom left, sending Kop diving to the right.
The 67th minute saw Stanway receive Arsenal’s first yellow card of the clash after a late challenge on Tandberg. Spurs had a chance to capitalise in the Arsenal box, though Leah Williamson was quick to clear the area.
Soon after, the Lilywhites would make a double substitution as Matilda Vinberg and an unhappy Tandberg made way for Kirsty Hanson and Shekiera Martinez. Arsenal also made their first substitution of the afternoon as Ona Batlle replaced Emily Fox in the 71st minute.
Taylor Hinds led an Arsenal charge after Drew Spence and Hanson clashed on the edge of the area. Hinds found Smith, who sent a cross towards Lisa Baum, though the winger couldn’t quite latch on to the ball as the chance went wide. Kyra Cooney-Cross would be the next Arsenal player to get booked following a strong tackle on Summanen, which saw the midfielder tackle with her studs up.
Meanwhile, on the touchline, Catley would make way for Elisa de Almeida, as Olivia Holdt replaced Summanen. Cooney-Cross looked to make an impact, though her right-footed shot from outside the box would be blocked by a white shirt.
The Gunners would then make another substitution as Baum and Smith found themselves replaced by Smilla Holmberg and Stina Blackstenius. As seven minutes of added time were announced, Holmberg would emerge victorious from a scrap on the far side before whipping a cross into Foord, whose half-volley went wide.
In the closing moments of the match, Signe Gaupset was booked for hauling down Stanway as she looked to make a break forward, though that would be the final notable moment of the clash as Arsenal would take a 2-1 victory against their North London rivals.