Arsenal Win the North London Derby as Renee Slegers Breathes a Sigh of Relief

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers believes her side's derby win over Tottenham was 'a step in the right direction'.

After a five-match winless run in the Women's Super League (WSL) – 3 draws and 2 defeats – the Gunners came from behind to beat Spurs 2-1 on Saturday.

At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the hosts went ahead through Cathinka Tandberg in the 13th minute, but Georgia Stanway levelled just four minutes later.

Alessia Russo, who provided the assist for Stanway's goal, then settled the contest from the penalty spot after Ella Morris handled the ball in the box.

The result means Arsenal have now won 11 of the 14 North London derbies in the WSL (2 draws, 1 defeat), and they move up to sixth, one point and two places behind Spurs.

Speaking after the match, Slegers said: "First of all, I'm really happy. I can see the fans and what this win means to them. I'm delighted for my players, who have kept going through what has been a really tough period for us. There were good moments from us. It was a step in the right direction. I'm very happy with the win, but we have to build on it. Our play in different phases was good. We were brave in our press high up the pitch. We unlocked them well with our passing and we controlled the ball. We managed to create clear chances."

Arsenal held a clear advantage in expected goals (xG), 2.24 to 0.3, and restricted Tottenham to a single shot on target – which went in.

Russo accounted for the bulk of Arsenal's expected goals on her own (1.21), created a match-high three chances and won 7 of her 12 duels.

Russo, who has scored more WSL goals against Tottenham than against any other side (nine), said: "I've worked a lot on penalties in training. We knew that at different moments today some of us would have to take responsibility. We're undeniably going through a difficult spell. Whether it's Foord stepping up, Misa's saves or my penalty, everyone put their shoulder to the wheel. We've got injuries at the moment too. I'm happy to play wherever I'm needed. I'm a number 9, but if I have to play deeper, I'll do that as well. We have players who can play in different positions, and I'll give everything I can for this team."