Martha Thomas 59th minute goal was the difference as Tottenham Hotspur held on to beat Arsenal in the WSL.

Full time: A first ever North London Derby victory for Spurs Women, who beat Arsenal 1-0 pic.twitter.com/PJBYVuhOII

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) December 16, 2023

Player ratings:

Manu Zinsberger 6/10

Kept out Bethany England’s early effort. Pushed up high to act as a fifth defender when Arsenal had possession at the back. Rooted to the spot as she watched Martha Thomas’ shot find the bottom corner.

Steph Catley 6/10

Steady in defence and complemented Foord down the left hand side.

Lotte Wubben-Moy 6.5/10

One of Arsenal’s most consistent performers in their current side, nailing down her spot in the centre of defence.

Amanda Ilestedt 6/10

Solid against Spurs’ dangerous frontline. Should have equalised for Arsenal with a close-range header.

Katie McCabe 6.5/10

Wore the captain’s armband in the absence of Kim Little and battled hard on the right side.

Victoria Pelova 6/10

Able to hold onto the ball in a congested midfield and press the Spurs backline.

Lia Walti 7/10

The glue that held Arsenal’s midfield together, beating opponents on the ball with ease and starting attacks with her passing.

Frida Maanum 6.5/10

Replaced Kim Little in midfield from the side that beat Chelsea 4-1 last Sunday. Nearly gave Arsenal the lead towards the end of the first half but her curling effort was well saved, also testing Votikova just after half time. Involved heavily in Arsenal’s attacking play.

Caitlin Foord 7/10

Hit the post in the first half after cutting onto her right foot and getting a strong shot away. Arsenal’s biggest threat in the first half.

Alessia Russo 6/10

Missed a good headed chance at the start of the second half. Dropped into the number ten role when Blackstenius was introduced.

Beth Mead 6.5/10

Grew into the game in the second half, delivering some excellent crosses that Arsenal weren’t able to capitalise on.

Kyra Cooney-Cross (Sub, 65’) 6.5/10

Injected some real energy into the game

Vivianne Miedema (Sub, 65’) 6/10

Made her first start in almost a year when she featured against Spurs in midweek, and came off the bench with Arsenal looking for an equaliser. Arsenal fans will be keeping patient as the WSL’s all-time leading goalscorer works her way back to full fitness.

Stina Blackstenius (Sub, 80’)

Cloe Lacasse (Sub, 90’)

Subs not used: Sabrina D’Angelo, Jen Beattie, Laia Codina, Noelle Maritz, Kathrine Kuhl.