Arsenal Women eye North London derby revenge after 10-game win streak

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Arsenal Women will look to continue their remarkable turnaround when they face Tottenham in the North London derby at Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening, riding the wave of 10 consecutive victories across all competitions.

The transformation has been stark since the teams last met in November, when Spurs held Arsenal to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Brisbane Road. At the time, manager Renee Slegers openly acknowledged the team was struggling, telling reporters: “Yeah, of course. We said it in the changing room with the players. It’s hard at the moment. We can’t deny it.”

Perfect timing for derby clash

Fast forward to now, and the Gunners enter Saturday’s 5:30pm kick-off in completely different form. Their winning streak has coincided with a 3-1 first-leg victory over Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final, setting up a crucial return leg at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.

The timing couldn’t be better for Arsenal’s resurgence. Recent draws for both Chelsea and Manchester United in the WSL have handed the Gunners control of second place in their own hands, though significant challenges remain in the season’s final stretch.

According to Arseblog News, around 47,000 tickets have been sold for the derby, promising a special atmosphere at Emirates Stadium.

Squad boost as internationals return

Arsenal will welcome back Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord following their Asian Cup commitments, providing valuable depth for the crucial fixture. However, Kyra Cooney-Cross has remained in Australia for family reasons and will miss the rest of the season.

The match comes too soon for Leah Williamson’s return from a hamstring injury, while long-term ACL injuries continue to sideline Manu Zinsberger, Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang.

Tottenham arrive in contrasting form to their opponents. After a promising start under new manager Martin Ho that saw them briefly challenge for European qualification, Spurs have fallen six points behind Arsenal having played two more games. They currently sit fifth, nine points clear of sixth-placed Everton.

Derby respect remains

Despite Arsenal’s superior form, Slegers emphasized the importance of maintaining focus amid the backdrop of Wednesday’s Chelsea showdown. The manager stressed the need to “plan for all scenarios and be really good in all phases of the game.”

Tottenham’s threat shouldn’t be underestimated, having held Arsenal scoreless in November and defeating them 4-3 in pre-season. The addition of Scandinavian talent including Amanda and Matilda Nilden, Hanna Wijk, and Norwegian sensation Signe Gaupset has strengthened their squad considerably.

Arsenal will be eager to replicate their dominant 5-0 victory when these sides met at Emirates Stadium last season, with goals from Mariona, Frida Maanum, Alessia Russo, Emily Fox and a Claire Hunt own goal.

The match represents the third of four consecutive London derbies for Arsenal, who cannot afford any complacency as they chase both domestic and European success this season.