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Russo penalty gives Arsenal win over Tottenham in WSL north London derby
Alessia Russo's late spot-kick completed a 2-1 comeback at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and ended Arsenal's five-match run without a league win.
Key points
- Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- Alessia Russo scored the winner from a late penalty after a handball.
- The result ended Arsenal's five-game wait for a league win.
Alessia Russo’s late penalty gave Arsenal a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Women’s Super League’s north London derby on Saturday, ending a run of five league games without a win for Renée Slegers’ side.
Tottenham went ahead in the 13th minute when Cathinka Tandberg headed in, but the lead lasted only four minutes before Georgia Stanway equalised.
The winner came from a scramble. Lisa Baum’s shot came back off the post, and Tandberg’s clearance struck the outstretched arm of Spurs’ Ella Morris. Referee Phoebe Cross pointed to the spot, a decision some saw as harsh, and Russo, who has missed some big chances in recent games, sent goalkeeper Lize Kop the wrong way.
“I’ve worked on it in training, first and foremost,” Russo told BBC Sport. “It’s been tough for us, there’s no denying.”
Slegers had made three changes, bringing in Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley and Taylor Hinds, with Stina Blackstenius, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Ona Batlle on the bench.
“It was a real derby. The team were in a good place and were finding solutions themselves,” Slegers said. “This will definitely energise us.” She added that Arsenal now had to back it up. The win eases some of the pressure that had built on her during the winless run.
The win lifts Arsenal to sixth, a point and two places behind Spurs. They play Benfica in the Women’s Champions League on Wednesday.