North London derby arrives with Tottenham and Arsenal both under scrutiny
Tottenham host Arsenal in the WSL with Spurs reeling from heavy defeats and Arsenal struggling for goals, making Saturday's derby a pivotal test for both sides.
Tottenham host Arsenal in the Women's Super League on Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a north London derby framed as potentially season-defining for both clubs. The match comes with Spurs smarting from recent heavy losses and Arsenal searching for answers in front of goal.
Arsenal's problems are statistical as much as psychological. Renee Slegers' side have scored five goals in six WSL games, the joint-second lowest in the division, and have not won since the opening day at Brighton. Home draws with promoted Birmingham and Crystal Palace and defeats at Chelsea and Manchester City have left them eighth, nine points adrift of Champions League qualification. Slegers can point to five strikes against the woodwork, the joint-most touches in the opposition box and the third-highest chance creation, but a shot conversion rate of 5.9% is the league's worst.
Former England striker Ellen White told the BBC's Women's Football Weekly podcast that Arsenal's commitment is not in question but that they look lost and desperate, adding that a draw would not be enough. Slegers has rotated her front four and made more substitutions than any other manager, while the absence of Mariona Caldentey through a hamstring issue has added to her difficulties.
Tottenham's own promising start has unravelled, with 6-1 and 6-2 defeats by London City Lionesses and Chelsea following ten points from their first four games. Martin Ho has acknowledged his side are not yet at the top level, saying that accepting that reality prevents unrealistic expectations. Spurs have won only one of 13 WSL meetings with Arsenal, though they held the Gunners to a goalless draw at home last season.
Spurs retain attacking threat: Signe Gaupset, Olivia Holdt and Kirsty Hanson have each scored at least twice, while Victoria Pelova, a summer arrival from Arsenal, has five goals — as many as the entire Arsenal team. Pelova told BBC Sport she has more freedom and trust at Tottenham and said Spurs must win. Holdt suggested playing at the men's stadium could help, with the crowd behind the hosts rather than Arsenal.
With Manchester City, Chelsea and London City having opened a gap, both sides need victory to keep realistic hopes of Champions League football alive.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
