Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Arsenal
Report by Ruby Vince in the press box and EXCLUSIVE photos from Mariella Prew pitch side (16/12/23).
Above: Spectacular action from today’s big WSL derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
A historic day for North London after a highly anticipated match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, and it was Tottenham who emerged victorious with a first-ever WSL win over their big rivals due to a great team goal scored by Martha Thomas.
The game kicked off with both teams showing early attacking intent, Arsenal knew a win would see them go top of the table, and in the 16th minute, Caitlin Foord made a notable attempt on goal, which struck the post sending a wave of excitement through the stadium. However, luck was not on her side as the ball stayed out of the net.
The first substitution of the match occurred shortly after, with Amy Turner entering the field for Luana Bühler, who suffered an injury. The match continued with opportunities at both ends, including attempts on goal from Celin Bizet and shots from Kit Graham and Foord.
A crucial moment in the game came with a notable deflective save by Barbora Votíková, preventing what could have been a significant goal-scoring opportunity for Arsenal. The tension on the pitch was palpable, and the teams battled fiercely for control.
As the second half unfolded, Jessica Naz came on for Bethany England, injecting fresh energy into the Tottenham side. The breakthrough moment arrived in the 58th minute when Thomas found the back of the net, assisted by Bizet, although the goal was very much a team effort putting Tottenham ahead.
Votíková showcased her skills with a crucial save in the 60th minute, denying Alessia Russo’s powerful shot and keeping Arsenal at bay. However, the introduction of Vivianne Miedema and Kyra Cooney-Cross for Frida Maanum and Victoria Pelova signaled Arsenal’s determination to bring one back.
Despite the Gunners’ efforts, they struggled to hit the target. Arsenal had 31 shots on goal, only eight of which were on target. Spurs had five shots with three on target. Those stats would be telling.
The pressure continued to mount with Votíková receiving a yellow card for time-wasting during a goal kick. The late stages of the match saw Sina Blackstenius coming on for Lia Wailti, and Katie McCabe making way for Chloe Lacase.
As the clock ticked down, chants of “Come on you Spurs” echoed throughout the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere with the Spurs fans praying their team would keep the result as it was.
There were some close calls at the end of the game with Arsenal keeping Tottenham on their toes, but in the end, Tottenham secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, leaving their fans elated.
Mariella Prew’s exclusive photo gallery from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Impetus
Teams: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-4-2): Votikova, Bartrip, Clinton, England, Petzelberger, Bizet, James, Graham, Thomas, Buhler, Neville. Substitutes: Spencer (GK), Zadorsky, Turner, Naz, Brazil, Percival, Ale, Ayane, Pearse.
Scorers: Thomas 58’.
ARSENAL (4-3-2-1): Zinsberger, Wubben-Moy, Cately, Mead, Maanum, Walti, McCabe (C), Foord, Pelova, Russo, Ilestedt. Substitutes: D’Angelo (GK), Beattie, Miedema, Maritz, Kuhl, Lacasse, Blackstenius, Codina, Cooney-Cross.
Referee: Cheryl Foster.
Attendance: 19,480.
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