Arsenal sealed a comfortable 2-0 win against old foes Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL) on Sunday as a record breaking crowd of 38,262 people descended up Tottenham Hotspur’s glossy new stadium to watch the clash.
Arsenal dominated the first-half, with the North London side creating several chances, but failing to fall through to create goals.
Spurs quickly stepped up with the backing of a solid home crowd, as Kit Graham’s straight shot which ended up securely into the hands of Manuela Zinsberger saw home fans go wild as Karen Hills and Juan Amoros’ side asserted themselves back into the game.
Gunners captain, Kim Little broke the deadlock by giving her side the advantage in the 66th minute after a rocky start from both sides saw a goal-less first-half.
Netherlands-native, Vivianne Miedema added to the visitor’s lead by firing into the back of the net in the 82nd minute.
The biggest talking point of the afternoon was the record attendance which surpassed the previous WSL record attendance of 31,213, as Manchester United battled Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The match marks the first WSL tournament at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as post-World Cup efforts to promote women’s football continues.
Women’s football legend, Jill Ellis was also in attendance to watch the historic match as the former US women’s football coach spoke fondly about how far the game has developed since her time as a player in the 80’s during half-time
Karen Hills commended the record breaking crowd, but expressed her hopes that sizable attendance for the women’s game would become standard practice in the future: “Hopefully it won’t be an occasion, it will be the norm of women’s football” she said.
Gunners gaffer, Joe Montemurro was in an elated state after his sides 2-0 win, but when talks turned to Chelsea’s big signing of Sam Kerr earlier in the week, the Aussie-born former midfielder reassured fans that Kerr poses no threat: “Why are you scared?” Montemurro asked a Gunners-supporting journalist. He went onto state “It’s Chelsea, they can choose whoever they want to choose and bring in whoever they want to bring in – that’s fine.
Don’t be scared of Sam Kerr!”
The win puts Arsenal in 3rd position, levelling with Man City with 15 points as Spurs trail behind in 6th. Arsenal will travel to Hertfordshire on Sunday to face Liverpool at Meadow Park.
Teshani's Sports Corner 