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Russo penalty seals Arsenal comeback in women’s north London derby

Arsenal came from behind to beat Tottenham 2-1 in the Women’s Super League north London derby. Georgia Stanway cancelled out Cathinka Tandberg’s opener before Alessia Russo scored the second-half penalty that decided the match. Tottenham lost defender Alice Sombath to injury, and manager Martin Ho disputed the penalty decision. The away win was Arsenal’s second in the league this season.

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Alessia Russo prepares behind the ball on a rainy football pitch, in red-and-white kit with spectators behind.

Stanway answers Tandberg’s early header

Arsenal won 2-1 away to Tottenham in the north London derby in England’s Women’s Super League. Cathinka Tandberg headed the hosts ahead in the 13th minute, but Georgia Stanway equalised four minutes later. Alessia Russo’s penalty in the 56th minute completed the turnaround. Arsenal took their second league win of the season, while Tottenham suffered a third successive league defeat after earlier losses to London City Lionesses and Chelsea.[1], [2]

At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Victoria Pelova’s corner created the opening goal. Tandberg rose between Stanway and Emily Fox to finish. Russo then laid the ball back for Stanway, whose shot from outside the penalty area went in off the crossbar despite Lize Kop getting a touch. The teams reached halftime level. Heavy rain accompanied the game, watched by 13,719 spectators.[1], [2]

Tottenham manager Martin Ho had changed his defence, starting Sombath and moving Caitlin Dijkstra to centre-back. Arsenal enjoyed spells of possession after an uncertain start, but overhit passes repeatedly brought attacks to an end.[1], [2]

Russo converts after Sombath leaves injured

Tottenham defender Alice Sombath was carried off early in the second half after appearing to twist her leg while stretching for the ball. Ella Morris replaced her. Kop subsequently denied Russo from close range after Caitlin Foord’s cross. From the resulting corner, Kyra Cooney-Cross delivered and Leah Williamson headed on before Lisa Baum hit the post. Tandberg’s clearance then struck Morris’s raised arm, and referee Phoebe Cross awarded the penalty. Russo sent Kop the wrong way to put Arsenal ahead.[1], [2]

Arsenal protect their lead through the finish

Tottenham manager Martin Ho disputed the penalty interpretation, arguing that the clearance had come from Morris’s teammate and that distance and reaction time mattered. Arsenal manager Renée Slegers praised her players’ determination and the travelling support. She acknowledged that recent results had been insufficient and called for the derby win to be followed up. Arsenal held their advantage despite a difficult finish. Substitute Shekiera Martinez forced a late save from Misa Rodriguez, although an offside flag followed. Another Russo effort from distance was held by Kop.[2], [1]

References

  1. News sourceTottenham HotspurArsenal come from behind to beat Tottenham in women’s derby↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5
  2. News sourceThe GuardianRusso penalty completes Arsenal comeback in women’s north London derby↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

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