Arsenal thrash Tottenham 5-0 in WSL as Chloe Kelly makes return

Feb 16, 2025, 10:45 am

Arsenal thrashed north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 on Sunday to boost their slim Women's Super League title hopes, in a game where Chloe Kelly made her return and Alessia Russo shone.

The hosts were quick to find cracks in Spurs' defense at the Emirates Stadium and went 1-0 up in the 14th minute after a Kyra Cooney-Cross cross found Russo, who got a slight touch before Clare Hunt turned into her own net.

Mariona Caldentey then found the bottom corner in the 35th minute from 14 yards out despite Spurs goalkeeper Lize Kop's best efforts.

Tottenham's defensive woes were clear to see and they persisted into the second half, and six minutes after the restart Frida Maanum's deflected effort from the edge of the area ended in the back of the net.

The visitors then left themselves open chasing the game, with Caitlin Foord having plenty of space to run into on a counter in the 58th minute before assisting Russo, who made no mistake from the right-side of the box and capped her player of the match performance.

Alessia Russo impressed as Arsenal hit their rivals Tottenham for five on Sunday.
Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Just as Spurs thought it couldn't get any worse, Arsenal defender Emily Fox netted her first WSL goal with a stellar shot from 25 yards out.

On-loan Kelly, making her first appearance for Arsenal in 2,815 days, nearly topped off a perfect day for Arsenal but hit the crossbar.

The win means Arsenal are eight points off WSL leaders Chelsea in third, while Spurs sit sixth with 17 points.

"It felt amazing in front of unbelievable support today," Kelly said.

"Since I stepped into this club, I have felt a warm welcome. And what a game to do it in the North London derby.

"I felt myself on the pitch today. It's been an easy transition for me. It's been easy to walk into this dressing room with unbelievable players and the staff."

"Competition for all positions is important. Going up against the best players in my position is really important for me. The challenge is always there and I am ready to fight for my shift and I am ready to do so."