Arsenal sent a resounding message to their Women’s Super League rivals with a dominant 5-0 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby. The Gunners’ ruthless attack proved far too potent for a Spurs side struggling defensively all season. But the headlines will belong to Chloe Kelly, the England star making her first appearance for Arsenal in eight years as she begins her bid to regain a place in the national team setup.
Kelly Kickstarts Comeback Tour
2,815 days after her last Arsenal match, Chloe Kelly returned to the pitch for the club where she began her professional career. The 27-year-old forced a loan move from Manchester City after falling out of favor and seeing minimal playing time this season. Those struggles saw her dropped from the recent England squad, but Kelly is determined to play her way back into contention.
I felt myself on the pitch today. It’s been an easy transition for me. Going up against the best players in my position is really important. The challenge is always there and I am ready to fight for my shift.
Chloe Kelly
Kelly made an instant impact off the bench, showcasing the dynamism and drive that made her an England mainstay. While she couldn’t find the net herself, her second half cameo offered a glimpse of the boost she can provide in Arsenal’s Champions League quest. England manager Sarina Wiegman insists the door remains open for Kelly’s return if she can get regular minutes.
Arsenal’s Attacking Avalanche
Spurs simply had no answer for the waves of Arsenal attacks, conceding five goals to four different scorers:
- Lize Kop made 8 saves but was constantly left exposed
- Clare Hunt endured a nightmare, scoring an own goal and deflecting in another
- Spurs managed only 6 shots compared to Arsenal’s 27
The gulf in class was crystal clear. Arsenal’s fluid attack flowed in perfect harmony with a miserly defense that secured yet another clean sheet. Alessia Russo moved into second in the Golden Boot race with her 8th goal, while Frida Maanum and Mariona Caldentey were constant thorns in Tottenham’s side.
Gunners Firing on All Fronts
While the WSL title may be beyond reach, Arsenal have hit their stride at the ideal time. This statement victory keeps them well positioned for a top three finish and the Champions League qualification that comes with it. Crucial to those ambitions will be maintaining the symbiosis between their clinical attack and stingy rearguard.
The Gunners have conceded a miserly 9 goals, second only to the Chelsea and Manchester United on 6. At the other end, only the league leaders have outscored Arsenal’s 38. With Russo firing, Maanum supporting, and Mead still to return, an already deep attacking arsenal only gets stronger with Kelly now in the mix.
As forwards we’re getting lots of finishing and stuff in training, so it’s nice to see it come to fruition.
Alessia Russo
Slegers has found the formula for balance that eluded predecessor Eidevall. Arsenal suddenly look a force to be reckoned with domestically and in Europe, where a Champions League quarterfinal with Real Madrid looms. If they can sustain this form, the season could yet end with silverware.
Spurs Stuck in Reverse
For Tottenham, this chastening defeat underlines just how far they’ve fallen off the pace. From a single goal separating these sides last term to an aggregate score of 8-0 this season, the regression is stark. Defensive disorganization and a blunt attack have Spurs languishing in 8th, with their best result a draw against 5th place Brighton.
Manager Vilahamn pulled no punches in his assessment, admitting the gap to the top sides is simply too great to bridge right now. Spurs have failed to beat a single team above them and look consigned to a bottom half finish. Wholesale changes are needed in the summer if they’re to harbor any hope of disrupting the WSL’s upper echelon next season.
For Arsenal, the focus shifts to carrying this momentum into a season-defining run of fixtures. With Chelsea and United still to play and City in hot pursuit, there’s no margin for error. But in this mood, with the goals flowing and Kelly adding yet more firepower, the Gunners will fancy their chances against anyone.
