Arsenal thrash Tottenham in North London Derby

Despite not being held at Tottenham’s impressive new ground, all eyes were on this North London Derby that formed part of the WSL’s Women’s Football Weekend. The return fixture set the league attendance record, with over 47,000 fans at the Emirates to watch the Gunners pick up a 4-0 victory.

Spurs recently sacked Rehanne Skinner after they picked up nine consecutive league defeats – though the Lilywhites picked up a 1-0 win over struggling Leicester City last time out. Arsenal would pose an entirely different threat, but would Jonas Eidevall’s side be distracted by their UWCL tie against Bayern Munich?

TOT: Korpela; Harrop, Bartrip, Turner, Neville; Ayane, James, Summanen, Bizet; Spence, England

ARS: D’Angelo; McCabe, Wubben-Moy, Williamson, Maritz; Wälti, Little, Maanum; Foord, Blackstenius, Pelova

The Gunners took the lead after five minutes, with Stina Blackstenius sending a super strike past Tinja-Riikka Korpela who had absolutely no chance of making the save. Spurs sought to find an equaliser soon after, as Celin Bizet played in Beth England who in turn found Drew Spence – but her effort was sent wide.

Arsenal found a second goal just before the thirty-minute mark, as Caitlin Foord sent a thunderous strike towards goal – settling in the bottom corner after a deflection off the post! Spurs were given a chance to grab one back ten minutes later as Katie McCabe handled the ball inside the area, and Bethany England made no mistake from the spot.

Having conceded a penalty in the first half, McCabe won a spot-kick twenty minute into the second half as she was tripped inside the box by Amy Turner. Kim Little launched her strike into the roof of the net, and Arsenal restored their two-goal lead with 25 minutes left to play.

Caitlin Foord bagged her second of the afternoon less than five minutes later, rising above Ashleigh Neville to divert Victoria Pelova’s cross into the back of the net. The Spurs defender had completely mistimed her header, essentially leaving Foord unmarked at the back post for one of the easiest goals she’ll ever score.

Frida Maanum found Arsenal’s fifth and final goal in the 76th minute, unleashing a strike from distance that took a deflection off Molly Bartrip before sailing over Korpela. The Gunners were well and truly in dreamland – and the victory should raise the confidence levels in the squad as they look to overcome their first-leg loss against Bayern Munich in midweek.

It’s a less pretty picture for Spurs though, and they remain just five points clear of Leicester City – the current occupants of the sole relegation spot. However, the Lilywhites have played one game more than the Foxes, meaning things could really heat up as we approach the business end of the season.