Arsenal Come From Behind to Beat Tottenham 2-1 as Russo Seals Crucial WSL Victory

Arsenal came from behind to beat Tottenham 2-1 in the north London derby, with Alessia Russo's second-half penalty giving Renee Slegers' side a much-needed win in the Women's Super League.

Slegers had been under pressure after her team failed to win any of their previous five league games and had won just once all season. Victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium still leaves Arsenal sixth, nine points behind leaders Manchester City, who visit Manchester United on Sunday.

Spurs took the lead in the 13th minute when Cathinka Tandberg headed in from a corner won by ex-Arsenal midfielder Victoria Pelova. The lead lasted only four minutes. England midfielder Georgia Stanway hit a powerful strike from the edge of the box to level things up.

Tottenham were the better side in the first half. They sat in a low block, which is the plan many teams have used against Arsenal this season, and it frustrated the visitors. Arsenal looked short on confidence, with plenty of misplaced passes and gaps in midfield, and they crawled to half-time.

The game changed shortly after the break. Tottenham's record signing Alice Sombath, the French defender, suffered a serious injury and was taken off on a stretcher. 

That seemed to hurt the home side. Russo had just been denied from close range by goalkeeper Lize Kop, but moments later referee Phoebe Cross pointed to the spot. 

Lisa Baum's shot had hit the post, and Tandberg's clearance struck the outstretched hand of her Spurs team-mate Ella Morris. Russo then scored from 12 yards, slotting it past Kop.

The decision could be argued about, as Morris was close to Tandberg when the ball hit her hand. Russo celebrated in front of the away fans, and her team-mates reminded each other to stay calm.

Spurs kept fighting until the end but did not create enough to worry Arsenal. The Gunners, who started the day four points behind their rivals and in the bottom half of the table, will take the luck. It was not a convincing display, but it could be the spark they need to start a winning run.

Tottenham, who began the day fourth, had lost heavily to London City Lionesses and Chelsea in their last two games and let in 12 goals. 

Manager Martin Ho tightened up at the back this time, and his side will be pleased with how they stayed in the game, even if it feels like a missed chance.