Three things we learned from Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat in the North London Derby  

Jonas Eidevall's side went down to Martha Thomas' second half winner as the Gunners lost the chance to move top of the Women's Super League with defeat at local rivals Tottenham.

Thomas' 58th minute strike secured Spurs their first WSL win over Arsenal as the league moves into hibernation until January 20.

The frustrating result ultimately left Arsenal in third spot going into the winter break, three points behind Chelsea and level with Manchester City who have a goal difference of 19, compared the the Gunners 14, having missed the majority of chances at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday lunchtime. 

Here's the Gooner Fanzine's briliant Arsenal Women's writer Claudia Loy and her series Three Things We Learned after defeat in the North London derby. 

1 - The gap is closing 

The WSL is becoming more competitive, and Spurs are one of the teams who have a long-term plan. This includes a style of play which is easy to spot, and an increased quality of players. This was our first defeat to Spurs since the inception of the NLD in the women’s game, and it’s a sign of a league which is attracting more and more talent. Arsenal will need to ensure that they keep excelling in the recruitment market, and attracting the best talent. Keep an eye on January! 

2 - We didn’t take our chances, and there will be a period of reflection 

We didn’t necessarily deserve to lose the game. On another occasion, at least one of our chances results in a goal. Unfortunately, the quality of chances created, and the finishing weren't quite there at times.

The players will learn from this and bounce back after the Christmas break. This break will serve as an opportunity to reset and come back sharper in 2024.

On a related note, Katie McCabe is a player who I think will benefit from a rest given the number of minutes she played in this block. 

3 - This defeat will serve as motivation

Credit to Spurs, but we need to start 2024 with a re-energised squad that is raring to go. We will need to win a lot of games between now and the end of the season, maybe even all of them, to go on to win the title. We need to be ‘near perfect’ in the words of Kim Little. Some extra sharpness at either end of the pitch and I think this is achievable.

Losing to local rivals just before Christmas isn’t the present that the fans or players wanted, and the players are hurting, but it can hopefully act as a platform to kick on in the new year and get back to the performance level we saw against Chelsea.