ARSENAL snatched the North London bragging rights in front of a record WSL crowd.
Goals from Kim Little and Vivianne Miedema sealed victory in front of 38,262 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Vivianne Miedema scored the second goal as Arsenal beat SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Skipper Little smashed into the bottom left corner from a Miedema knock down on 66 minutes.
And Miedema doubled the Gunners’ lead thanks to a mistake by Anna Filbey.
She misdirected a 82nd-minute back pass to her keeper into the lethal Dutch striker’s path.
With Tottenham newly promoted, this was the first WSL derby between the two rivals — and the first time Spurs Women have played at their superb stadium.
And while this was a great family occasion, there was plenty of tension, with the attendance far outstripping the previous record of 31,213 set at the Etihad for the Manchester derby at the start of the season.
CHAMPIONS SHOW QUALITY
The South Stand was filled to the rafters with Spurs supporters while the 3,000 Arsenal fans chanted from their sell-out away end to give the bite this derby needed.
“We hate Tottenham, we hate Tottenham” rang out from a small pocket of fans in red, leading to a line of security around their segregated area — never usually seen at WSL games.
Reigning champions Arsenal made all the early running, with Little smashing a shot straight at keeper Rebecca Spencer.
But after 30 minutes it was Spurs who put the fans in full voice as they looked like they would grab the opener.
Rachel Furness put an powerful effort just over from distance, then Kit Graham blasted a left-footed shot into the woodwork.
The Gunners were out the blocks brighter after the break when Miedema grazed a drive past the left post.
GUNNERS BOSS PROUD
A flurry of effort from Tottenham came after Arsenal bagged of their goals.
Graham cracked a volley into the path of keeper Manuela Zinsberger, which deflected off a teammate — but Spurs were unable to break down their formidable rivals.
Arsenal manager Joe Montemurro said: “Being a Gooner as a fan, this was a great occasion I’m very proud of the way we came out in the second half.
“Today was a showcase of how great the women’s game is.
“Every game is a challenge and you can’t make mistakes any more because each team have quality players and are well organised.
“It was a special day, I’m very proud to be part of it.
Joint Spurs head coach Karen Hills said: “It is very disappointing obviously, but credit to Arsenal — they are the reigning champions for a reason.
“But we frustrated them and they found it hard to break us down, so we’re extremely proud of our players.”
It was Arsenal who took the derby honours against SpursCredit: Rex Features
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
