Arsenal 1-0 Tottenham: Player ratings as Alessio Russo settles derby in front of record crowd

FROM EMIRATES STADIUM — Alessia Russo scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal boosted their Women's Super League title hopes with a 1-0 win over Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday in front of a sell-out Emirates Stadium crowd.

Searching for revenge after Spurs earned their first ever derby victory in the reverse fixture, the Gunners were wasteful during a frustrating first half before a half-time reset helped Russo nick the opener just four minutes into the second half.

The 60,050 fans in attendance helped Arsenal set a new WSL attendance record, surpassing the 59,042 supporters who watched the 3-1 success over Man Utd in mid-February.

Jonas Eidevall's side have now won their last seven consecutive WSL home games, the first time they have do so in the competition, and remain just three points behind leaders Manchester City in their search for a first league title since 2019.

It was a story of squandered chances in the first half for Arsenal. Despite dominating in all areas with 63% possession, nine shots and ten corners, it was a wasteful start for the Gunners.

Tottenham had their first real chance 24 minutes in as Jessica Naz, who found plenty of joy using her pace on the break, forced goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger to tip her lofted shot onto the crossbar and out of harms way.

Caitlin Foord, who only returned from Australia a few days ago, was proving to be Arsenal's biggest attacking threat with her tenacity and astute passing causing problems for Tottenham's defence. However, a lack of clinical finishing left the winger frustrated.

Having spent much of her career as a centre-forward before moving to the wing, it's no surprise Beth Mead is renowned as one of Arsenal's and the WSL's most instinctive finishers.