Spurs hold Arsenal to goalless draw in WSL north London derby | OneFootball

Arsenal missed the opportunity to close the gap at the top of the table as they were held to a goalless draw by Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby.

After a disappointing midweek Champions League collapse, where they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3–2 to Bayern Munich, they would have hoped to come out firing in the league.

Instead, a flat 0–0 at Brisbane Road leaves the rivals level on points in the Women’s Super League, with only goal difference keeping Arsenal ahead in fourth.

What is going wrong for Arsenal?

Despite sharing possession, Arsenal registered more than five times as many touches in the opposition box as Spurs, yet never truly threatened. Clear-cut chances were non-existent, and their attacks lacked a sharpness you would expect to see from their roster of players. Renee Slegers will need to address this urgently ahead of their crucial Champions League tie against Real Madrid.

Spurs’ positivity and a statement result

In previous seasons Spurs may have sat back, but under new manager Martin Ho, their approach was far more ambitious. Backed by a crowd of 6,788, they pressed bravely and matched Arsenal in intensity in parts of the game. Considering they were thrashed 5–1 by Manchester City earlier in the season, this was a significant point and a sign of real progress.

Jess Naz’s rising confidence

Jess Naz looks revitalised under Ho. The winger was lively on both flanks, repeatedly stretching Arsenal’s back line and showing the confidence that earned her a recent England call-up. At 25, she is becoming an increasingly influential piece in Spurs’ season.

Olivia Smith brings excitement

Arsenal’s club-record signing Olivia Smith replaced Beth Mead at half-time and immediately injected pace and creativity. The 21-year-old Canadian produced Arsenal’s brightest moments, even if she couldn’t find the breakthrough. She already feels like a key to unlocking Arsenal’s attacking potential and their identity going forward.

Steph Catley’s 150th appearance

Steph Catley marked her 150th Arsenal appearance in the derby, having debuted in September 2020. With Kim Little and Leah Williamson out injured, the Matildas defender captained the side once more and delivered a composed, authoritative display. Earlier this week, Slegers praised Catley’s calmness, communication and ability to connect the squad. While Arsenal didn’t take all three points, she celebrated her milestone with a clean sheet.