LONDON: Arsenal beat Tottenham 2-1 in the Women’s Super League on Saturday, with Alessia Russo’s penalty securing their second league victory in seven matches.
Cathinka Tandberg put Tottenham ahead before Georgia Stanway brought Arsenal level. Russo then completed the comeback from the penalty spot in the second half.
The referee awarded the penalty after a Tottenham player’s clearance struck teammate Ella Morris’s raised arm. Russo converted to give Arsenal a much-needed win after a difficult start to the season.
“It’s been tough. We haven’t got the results we wanted,” Russo told the BBC. Arsenal struggled with their passing in the first half but defended their narrow lead late on.
Meanwhile, Manchester United ended Manchester City’s perfect start to the season with a 1-1 derby draw on Sunday. United improved under new manager Eva Olid, six weeks after suffering a 5-0 home defeat to Chelsea.
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Olid said that earlier setback helped her players identify weaknesses and improve their performances. Elsewhere, London City Lionesses winger Freya Godfrey scored in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
The 21-year-old capitalised on a mistake by goalkeeper Khiara Keating to score for the second consecutive league match.
Teammate Alexia Putellas praised Godfrey’s development and backed her to become an important player for England. Birmingham City also celebrated their first league victory since returning to the top flight.
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Wilma Leidhammar struck in the 68th minute to secure a 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic. Manager Amy Merricks welcomed the three points but acknowledged that Birmingham needed to improve their finishing.
Her team created 20 chances and managed just five shots on target. Arsenal recovered from a goal down to defeat Tottenham 2-1 through Alessia Russo’s penalty, while Manchester United held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw.
