Thomas goal sees Spurs claim victory over North London rivals Arsenal | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur pulled off an impressive 1-0 victory over their North London rivals Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon.

Martha Thomas popped up with the game’s only goal in the second half as Spurs claimed a first-ever Barclays Women’s Super League victory over The Gunners.

Arsenal worked to control the tempo in the opening minutes, dictating the possession with authority. Jonas Eidevall’s side created the game’s first golden opportunity when Lia Wälti committed to an excellent challenge on an advancing Celin Bizet Ildhusøy in the middle of the park. The Gunners immediately went on the counter-attack, though Caitlin Foord’s strike was kept out by the woodwork.

Having made her way into Robert Vilahamn’s starting XI for the derby fixture, Spurs goalkeeper Barbora Votíková made her presence known. Alessia Russo expertly played the ball to Frida Maanum inside the area, but the Norwegian’s strike was impressively palmed away by a stretching Votíkova.

Spurs began to gather some momentum as the first half drew to a close but they were unable to trouble visiting keeper Manuela Zinsberger as the two sides went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.

Both sides came out for the second half with electric intensity. Despite Arsenal dominating the attacking play, the deadlock was broken by Spurs just before the hour mark. Bizet expertly weaved through Arsenal’s backline and her cut-back was finished with the gathered poise of an advancing Thomas.

Arsenal grew desperate as the clock ran down and Gunners boss Eidevall opted to bring on both Vivianne Miedema and Stina Blackstenius in search of an equaliser. Despite being dominant in possession, Arsenal were unable to find a way past a well-organised Spurs defence.

Eleven minutes of additional time at the end of the second half ran down in angst and a sliding challenge from Cloé Lacasse in the dying seconds denied Spurs the opportunity to double their advantage. Though the difference was minimal as the final whistle was blown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs claimed a historic derby victory.

The defeat has denied Arsenal the opportunity of occupying top spot in the Barclays Women’s Super League table while Spurs end the calendar year in sixth position.