Tottenham 1-0 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners crumble in shock WSL derby result

FROM TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUM — Martha Thomas' heroics secured local bragging rights as Spurs handed Arsenal a shock defeat in the first north London derby of the WSL season.

The clinical Thomas strike in the second half was enough to secure Tottenham all three points and victory over the Gunners for the first time. Robert Vilahamn's team had failed to secure a league win since their 4-2 win over Aston Villa on 21 October and conceded 11 across their last two games after recent thrashings against Manchester City and Manchester United.

Despite 31 shots and eight on target, Arsenal were unable to breakdown Tottenham's resistant defence, being handed their second WSL defeat of this season already.

The Gunners secured an emphatic 4-1 win over Chelsea last weekend with a statement performance, yet lacked impetus against their north London rivals and failing to conjure the same magic.

The hosts have rebounded to end 2023 on a high.

The hosts were dealt and early blow, being forced into an early change before the 20 minute mark when Luana Buhler made way for Amy Turner in the backline. It was also a very stop-start for both sides as neither were able to fully get going as referee Cheryl Foster was vigilant on calling all possible fouls.

Frustrations were building in the first half as Arsenal, retaining much of the ball, were squandering clear chances, with Caitlin Foord dispatching wide on numerous occasions before a strike rattled the woodwork. Frida Maanum also had early chances but was unable to beat a controlled home defence.

Tottenham were playing on the break and using the combination of Thomas and Bethany England to exploit the spaces in behind Arsenal's defence. Celine Bizet's strike notched over the goal before, at the