Arsenal thrash Tottenham 5-0 as Chloe Kelly features: Five things we learned | OneFootball

Arsenal delivered a dominant performance in the Women’s Super League north London derby, with Chloe Kelly making her much-anticipated second debut.

An early own goal from Clare Hunt opened the scoring in the 15th minute after Kyra Cooney-Cross’s cross flicked off Alessia Russo and deflected in off the Tottenham defender, while Mariona Caldentey doubled Arsenal’s lead before half-time.

The second half saw Frida Maanum add a third with a deflected strike from the edge of the box, while Caitlin Foord’s surging run set up Russo to make it four with a cool finish.

An injury time belter from Emily Fox from 25 yards out sealed a triumphant day for the Gunners at a packed Emirates, with 56,784 fans in attendance.

The victory keeps Arsenal third in the WSL table, now within seven points of leaders Chelsea, who could restore their 10-point cushion later today.

Here are five things we learned:

Chloe Kelly is back

After weeks of speculation, Chloe Kelly finally made her Arsenal debut – 2,815 days after her last appearance for the club. There were huge cheers when she warmed up, and an even louder roar when she entered the match in the 60th minute.

Although she didn’t get on the scoresheet, her presence on the pitch was a significant boost for Arsenal’s attacking options. Kelly prevciously said she felt ‘powerful’ at Arsenal – a feeling that will only grow after today’s reception.

North London is red

Arsenal’s win cemented their dominance over their rivals, completing a north London derby double after their 3-0 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November.

Spurs will feel disheartened at a lacklustre performance where they were outplayed in all areas by their rivals.

Shots, shots, shots

Arsenal overwhelmed Tottenham with relentless attacking play, registering 26 shots (12 on target) compared to Spurs’ six (two on target).

The Gunners fired 17 shots in the first half alone, while Tottenham failed to register a shot on target until the 66th minute – a clear indicator of Arsenal’s control of the match.

Arsenal look hungry

While catching Chelsea in the title race may be a tough ask, Arsenal’s performance showed they remain a serious threat in the FA Cup and Champions League.

Since Renee Slegers’ appointment, Arsenal have been in formidable form. Aside from a narrow defeat to Chelsea and a League Cup exit against Manchester City, they’ve been solid – and this dominant display will only fuel their belief they can add silverware this season.

Ashleigh Neville’s centurion

Amid the disappointment for Tottenham, there was a milestone moment for Ash Neville, who made her 100th WSL appearance – all for Spurs.

It wasn’t the celebration she might have hoped for, but a milestone to be celebrated nonetheless.