Key events
6 min: There is no high press from Spurs, Arsenal’s backline have been able to pass between themselves for some time before they decide to move up the pitch. The attack ends in a goal kick but it has been all Arsenal so far.
4 min: Spurs also conceded after 20 seconds against Manchester City last weekend and it is the same old story. They now need to have a flawless game to get back into this.
A horror start from Tottenham, Arsenal completely dominant and Spurs’ defence is so weak. No one tracks Russo who strikes cleanly. Wow.
GOAL! Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal (Russo, 2)
Oh my word.
Kick-off! Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal
Here we go.
Is there a bigger game in club football? It is most definitely up there. The rivalry is re-ignited, Kim Little and Beth England are leading their sides out and so let’s get down to business.
The players will be out on the pitch soon with a good crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for this one. Can Spurs cause an upset? Or will Arsenal come out on top? All to come.
Leah Williamson and Kim Little reach their 150th WSL appearances today and they have joined a select group. They join Jordan Nobbs and Millie Bright for wracking up 150 games at one club.
Are you at a game today? If you are get in touch and let me know what the stadium food is like. One of my favourite social media accounts is football scran, which details what clubs have available. I must confess I have treated myself to a takeaway to get prepped for this mega day of football.
The North London derby is not the only rivalry re-igniting this weekend with the Merseyside derby taking place tomorrow. Tom Garry spoke to Everton manager Brian Sørensen about the match:
Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn has labelled Arsenal favourites this weekend, saying: “Arsenal have been in the game longer than us and won a lot. We are the underdogs, can accept that now, but in the long run in this derby, we want to be expected to win home games.”
Arsenal’s interim boss, who is making a claim for the permanent role, Renée Slegers said of Tottenham: “I think Tottenham are a strong team. They’ve been playing a top four opposition in quite a lot of games already, which are tough games. I think they might be stronger than the results they’ve had so far. So, we’re really respectful of them as an opponent, they have some individual qualities. I think they show great mentality and do things together. So, it’s going to be very hard opponent. But again, I think if we keep on bringing what we’re bringing, I think we’re a top team.”
The team news is in. Tottenham make two changes from their defeat to Manchester City last time out. Ella Morris and Matilda Vinberg drop out for Hayley Raso and Amanda Nilden.
Tottenham: Spencer, Neville, Buhler, Hunt, Nilden, Bartrip, Summanen, Spence, Raso, Naz England..
Arsenal, meanwhile, make one change with Beth Mead benched in favour of Mariona Caldentey. Leah Williamson and Kim Little make their 150th WSL appearances.
Arsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona, Little (C), McCabe, Maanum, Walti, Foord, Russo
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the North London derby in the Women’s Super League. This fixture last season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium created history as Spurs beat Arsenal for the first time in the league, the home crowd will be hoping for a similar result this afternoon.
However, that will prove tricky as Arsenal have hit some good form over the past few weeks. Last weekend they defeated Brighton, who are having a good season themselves, 5-0. The Gunners then followed that up with a thumping 4-0 win over Juventus in the Women’s Champions League. So Spurs do have their work cut out for them.
Tottenham have had a bumpy start to the season and are seventh after only two wins this campaign. But a victory at home in front of a bumper crowd could jumpstart some consistency to their season.
We will take a look at what has been said in the build-up shortly but first let’s take a look at the team news before kick-off at 1.45pm GMT.
