The Emirates Stadium was buzzing with anticipation on March 28, 2026, as Arsenal Women hosted Tottenham Hotspur Women in the latest edition of the North London Derby. With a crowd of 46,123 providing a vibrant backdrop, the Gunners seized the moment to extend their remarkable winning streak, ultimately overpowering Spurs 5-2 in a match that showcased both their attacking flair and their unwavering dominance at home.
Arsenal entered the fixture riding a 10-match winning run and an 11-game unbeaten league streak, firmly entrenched in the top three of the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL). Under the guidance of Renée Slegers, who remains unbeaten at home in her WSL managerial career, the Gunners had yet to concede a league goal in 2026. Historical trends weighed heavily in their favor too—Arsenal had never lost a home WSL match to their North London rivals.
Team news ahead of kickoff reflected Arsenal’s depth and formidability. The only significant absence was Kyra Cooney-Cross, who, due to overseas commitments, was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. This opened the door for Kim Little and Frida Maanum to continue their midfield partnership, while Chloe Kelly, enjoying a blistering run with a goal involvement every 73 minutes—the second-best rate in the league—was primed to make an impact in attack. The return of Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord from international duty further bolstered the squad. In goal, Daphne van Domselaar got the nod, shielded by a defense anchored by Lotte Wubben-Moy and flanked by Emily Fox and Katie McCabe. Alessia Russo, whose clinical finishing has become a hallmark, led the line with support from the ever-dangerous Kelly.
For Tottenham, manager Martin Ho made two changes from the side that faced Manchester City the previous weekend. Tōko Koga and Maika Hamano, fresh off their triumph with Japan in the Women’s Asian Cup—where Hamano netted the decisive goal in the final—were reintroduced to the starting XI. Molly Bartrip wore the captain’s armband, leading a side determined to bridge the gap that, though narrowing in recent years, still favored Arsenal. Spurs, promoted to the top division in 2019, had only managed two wins in 20 previous encounters against the Gunners, but recent draws suggested a growing competitiveness.
As the match kicked off at 17:30 GMT, Arsenal wasted no time asserting themselves. Just five minutes in, Alessia Russo opened the scoring with a powerful header from a Katie McCabe corner, sending the home crowd into raptures. Barely two minutes later, Russo struck again, latching onto a clever through ball from Olivia Smith, rounding Spurs’ keeper Lize Kop, and slotting home to double the lead. The Gunners’ relentless pressure was palpable, with Russo hungry for more and Chloe Kelly buzzing around the box.
Spurs, however, found a lifeline in the 20th minute. A Maika Hamano corner was inadvertently turned into the Arsenal net by Frida Maanum, giving the visitors hope and briefly quieting the Emirates faithful. Yet, Arsenal’s response was swift and emphatic. In the 27th minute, Maanum and Russo combined to harry the Spurs backline, forcing a turnover from Kop that Russo gleefully converted to complete her hat-trick inside the opening half-hour. It was a performance of ruthless efficiency from the England international, whose treble underscored her growing stature in the women’s game.
"Our attacking intent was evident right from the off," Arsenal.com reported, highlighting the team’s aggressive start and Russo’s clinical finishing. The Gunners continued to press, with Smith and Kelly probing for openings, but the first half ended with Arsenal firmly in control at 3-1.
After the break, Caitlin Foord replaced Smith, and Arsenal maintained their attacking verve. Spurs’ Cathinka Tandberg forced a corner early in the second half, but Lotte Wubben-Moy was alert to snuff out the danger. Substitutions followed, with Chloe Kelly and Russo making way for Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius—the latter marking her 150th appearance for the club.
On the hour mark, Arsenal extended their lead further. Smilla Holmberg, who recently set a club record as the youngest player to assist twice in one game, delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post. Foord, showing great composure, cut inside and fired home to make it 4-1. Holmberg’s contribution yet again underlined the depth of talent emerging in Slegers’ squad.
Tottenham refused to fold, and Bethany England, introduced from the bench, pulled one back in the 78th minute with a sharp finish from a tight angle. However, any hopes of a late comeback were dashed deep into stoppage time. Victoria Pelova, another of Arsenal’s dynamic midfielders, slipped a perfect pass to Blackstenius, who calmly slotted past Kop to seal the 5-2 victory.
The result not only extended Arsenal’s winning run to 11 matches in all competitions but also preserved their remarkable record of remaining unbeaten in 66 home games when scoring first. The Gunners remained fourth in the WSL, just two points behind Chelsea and three behind Manchester United, but crucially with multiple games in hand—keeping them firmly in the title race.
The match was also notable for Kim Little, who received a standing ovation as she left the pitch. Little, fresh from signing a new contract and celebrating her 400th appearance for the club, was honored by supporters with a striking tifo ahead of kickoff—testament to her enduring influence and leadership.
For Spurs, the defeat highlighted both the progress made and the challenges that remain. Despite spirited moments and the injection of international talent like Hamano and Koga, the gulf in class was evident. Yet, their position in fifth, nine points clear of Everton, suggests a solid foundation to build on under Martin Ho.
Fans unable to attend the Emirates could catch the action live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK, with highlights available later in the evening. For those abroad, streaming options included ESPN Select, ensuring the derby’s drama reached a global audience.
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s fixture list remains packed. They travel to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final on April 1, defending a 3-1 aggregate lead. Shortly after, they return to domestic action in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton & Hove Albion on April 5. The Gunners’ momentum and depth will be thoroughly tested as they chase silverware on multiple fronts.
As North London’s footballing landscape continues to evolve, Arsenal’s dominance in the women’s game remains undimmed—but with Spurs showing flashes of progress, the rivalry promises many more memorable chapters in the years ahead.