Arsenal secured victory in the Women’s Super League kick-off on Sunday, defeating rivals Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in a north London derby in front of a packed Emirates Stadium.
After an entertaining clash, Alessia Russo’s instinctive strike proved the difference between both teams.
Needing a win to maintain their pace in the title race, the Gunners dominated the first half and pushed Spurs back, but the visitors’ fightback proved dangerous.
The match went into halftime goalless and although there was no shortage of chances, neither team was able to convert them.
When the breakthrough came, it was worth the wait.
A great floated pass from Kim Little found Beth Mead at the far post and she took a great touch to convert the ball. Under intense pressure from the scrambling Spurs defenders, Meade was unable to get a shot off, but he forced the ball into the feet of Russo, who fired home from close range.
This was Mead’s 40th assist for Arsenal, the most ever by a single club in the division.
After the goal, Spurs made three changes and looked to equalize.
Arsenal believed they should have been awarded a penalty when Katie McCabe fell under the spotlight inside Tottenham’s box, but their appeal was rejected.
With 20 minutes remaining, Spurs brought on Beth England to further strengthen their attack.
After Russo’s goal, the away team had their best time of the match, continuing to fight through the seven minutes of stoppage time, with England coming particularly close to scoring, but they were unable to score an equalizer and suffered a defeat.
After a strong start to the season, Spurs have slipped into mid-table and must watch as their rivals continue to chase leaders Manchester City.
For Arsenal, a match against Aston Villa in the FA Cup beckons, before returning to WSL action with a mouth-watering trip to face Chelsea in mid-March.
Arsenal’s goalscorer Little spoke confidently about their chances of challenging for the title in an interview with BBC Two after the match. She said, “I think so. We talked about the next block. If we do what we can, we can reach the final and probably be tied on points. We have to get results in important games.” .
Elsewhere, Aston Villa hosted Liverpool, while Brighton faced Bristol City.
At Ashton Gate, Elizabeth Terlando, a six-point player right in the relegation zone, got Brighton off to a strong start with the opener after 20 minutes. The Norwegian international forward pounced on loose balls from corners and scored 10 goals in 15 games.
Four minutes later, Pauline Bremer doubled the Seagulls’ lead when her first shot hit the post and picked up the rebound.
The hosts created chances but could not find the decisive touch and ended up 2-0 behind at half-time.
Captain Megan Connolly gave City a lifeline with a goal from a free-kick in the 47th minute, but Talland’s shot on goal just seven minutes later restored the cushion for the visiting side.
Talland’s two goals put him third in the scoring rankings behind Man City’s Khadijah Shaw (15 goals) and Chelsea’s Lauren James (12 goals).
Talland almost made it 4-1 but her shot was pushed out of play by Bristol keeper Olivia Clarke and she had to settle for a corner kick. However, Tatiana Pinto headed Brighton’s fourth goal from a corner kick.
Brooke Aspin scored for the hosts with 20 minutes remaining, followed by Amalie Sestrup’s creator four minutes later. Zastrup beat home and suddenly there was hope for the hosts.
The hosts continued to press, but in the 89th minute Madison Haley popped out and scored off a cutback from Katie Robinson to make it 5-3.
In stoppage time, Robinson was dragged inside the area and won a penalty, which was converted by Vicky Lozada to make the score 6-3.
Robinson scored again in the 96th minute, the tenth and final goal of a sensationally bizarre game, making the final score 7-3.
The defeat leaves City eight points behind Brighton with seven games remaining and they have conceded 45 goals, 14 more than the next worst defence.
Liverpool strengthened their position in the top half of the table with a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at Bescot Stadium.
In the opener, there was a sign of good fortune as Grace Fisk’s strike changed direction early in the game.
Sophie Haug doubled the Reds’ advantage in the 29th minute when Jasmine Matthews’ floated cross was tucked in after goalkeeper Mia Enderby had her goal wide.
Just before the break Villa reduced their arrears with Kirsty Hanson winning a penalty and Sarah Meiring converting the spot-kick.
Emma Koivisto’s goal put Liverpool up 3-1, but Enderby again missed Matthews’ cross. Koivisto sealed the victory with his second goal of the day in the 82nd minute.