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Player Ratings: Alessia Russo goal sees Arsenal edge out Tottenham in hard-fought North London Derby

Arsenal were made to work at a sold-out Emirates Stadium but avenged their defeat to Spurs in December

4 March, 2024 9:53
Player Ratings: Alessia Russo goal sees Arsenal edge out Tottenham in hard-fought North London Derby

Alessia Russo celebrates her 49th minute goal with Katie McCabe. Credit- Jacques Feeney/Offside

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Arsenal Women beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 to keep the pressure on Manchester City and Chelsea at the top of the Women’s Super League.

The Gunners struggled to break down Spurs’ low block in the first half, but broke the deadlock in the 49th minute through Alessia Russo after Kim Little combined with Beth Mead.

Arsenal were able to hold on to claim all three points in a game of few chances.

Player ratings:

Manu Zinsberger 7.5/10

Back between the sticks, unopposed by Sabrina D’Angelo who is at the Gold Cup in the USA. Tipped Jessica Naz’s shot onto the crossbar as well as saving from Martha Thomas, and will be pleased with an important clean sheet.

Steph Catley 6.5/10

Improved as the game progressed, working well in tandem with Foord when the duo could attack down the left flank.

Laia Codina 6.5/10

Enjoyed back-to-back starts for the Gunners with Amanda Ilestedt recovering from illness and Leah Williamson fit enough only for the bench. Starting to settle into this Arsenal side well.

Lotte Wubben-Moy 7.5/10

Excellent form earned her an England start, and a first Lionesses goal, in the international break. Read the game well and timed every tackle, with the exception of being booked for a foul on Drew Spence in the second half.

Katie McCabe 6.5/10

Often inverted at right-back to allow Mead to play further wide. Booked for a typical altercation with Spencer.

Lia Walti 7.5/10

Dropped in to support Codina when McCabe pushed forward. Influential in the second half as she looked to start attacks for the home side.

Kim Little 8/10

Used her physicality effectively in midfield, and was involved in Arsenal’s opener when she floated the ball into Mead at the back post. Player of the match without doubt.

Victoria Pelova 6.5/10

Returned early from the international break but was fit enough to start, and was impactful in between the lines.

Caitlin Foord 7/10

Battled with Ashleigh Neville, who looked to prevent Foord from cutting inside. Worked tirelessly on the left wing.

Alessia Russo 7.5/10

Missed a good chance in the early exchanges when she volleyed wide at the back post. Battled hard against Spurs’ low block and gave Arsenal the lead with a tap-in.

Beth Mead 7.5/10

Looked to hog the touchline to make the pitch as wide as possible, and found joy in doing so in the second half. Guilty of taking too long to get a shot away at times, but her movement was excellent to find space in the box and assist Alessia Russo.

Stina Blackstenius (Sub, 74’) 6.5/10

A straight swap for Russo upfront and caused problems for Spurs, drawing a save from Spencer from a narrow angle.

Leah Williamon (Sub, 74’) 7/10

Finally enjoyed the opportunity to play at a sold-out Emirates Stadium, with the lifelong Gooner receiving a superb reception from the home fans when she replaced Codina.

Kyra Cooney-Cross (Sub, 74’) 6.5/10

Showed glimpses of her trickery from the bench and made an important defensive block in injury time.

Frida Maanum (Sub, 84’)

Subs not used: Naomi Williams, Sarah Bouhaddi, Katie Reid, Maddy Earl, Vivienne Lia.

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