Derby day in N17 could hardly have started worse for Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon, conceding after just 63 seconds in a match that would end in a 3-0 decimation at the hands of Arsenal.
Although Spurs avoided the ultra-early 23-second setback they experienced against Manchester City the previous week, head coach Robert Vilihamn would have been far from pleased with his side’s disastrous start once again.
Goals from Alessia Russo, Frida Maanum, and Stina Blackstenius propelled Arsenal to victory, continuing their strong form under interim manager Renee Slegers.
For their hosting North London rivals, however, there was little to celebrate.
The feeling of déjà vu surely swept over the Tottenham faithful when Russo swept Mariona Caldentey’s squeezing pass inside the box past Becky Spencer just over a minute into the match.
Twenty minutes later, Frida Maanum struck the second blow, clinically finishing past Spencer after a sharp one-two with captain Kim Little.
Spurs showed signs of life ten minutes before halftime when Bethany England unleashed an effort that tested Daphne Van Domselaar. The Arsenal goalkeeper, however, was up to the task, making an impressive, stretching save to tip the ball over the bar. Spurs earned a series of corners as a result but couldn’t capitalise to find the crucial goal that might have sparked a comeback.
Tottenham began the second half with renewed energy, shifting from a back five to a back four to enable players like Ashleigh Neville to push forward on the wings. Despite their adjustments, Arsenal maintained control.
Arsenal’s attacking duo came close to inflicting more damage at the hour mark, with Russo whipping a promising cross toward Maanum, who narrowly missed connecting in time.
Moments after entering the pitch, Stina Blackstenius delivered the final blow, punishing Tottenham further after receiving a well-placed ball from Caldentey.
It was the final nail in the coffin on another disappointing afternoon for Robert Vilihamn’s side.
Arsenal’s strong showing under interim boss Renee Slegers continued to impress, while Tottenham remained mired in their early-season struggles, desperately seeking a way to reverse their fortunes.
Starting XIs:
Tottenham Hotspur: Becky Spencer (GK), Molly Bartrip, Amanda Nilden, Jessica Naz, Hayley Raso, Bethany England (C), Clare Hunt, Luana Buhler, Drew Spence, Eveliina Summanen, Ashleigh Neville
Arsenal: Daphne van Domselaar (GK), Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Mariona Caldentey, Kim Little (C), katie McCabe, Frida Maanum, Lia Walti, Caitlin Foord, Alessia Russo