One year ago in this same fixture, Tottenham Hotspur Women did the unthinkable: it defeated archrivals Arsenal for the first time in club history. The significance of that victory is hard to overstate: while Arsenal dominated English woso for years, Tottenham toiled in the lower divisions. In the rare times when the two clubs met, the gulf between them was massive and the lopsided results of these matches reflected that chasm. Over time, as Tottenham promoted up the pyramid and eventually to the WSL, the gap between the clubs started to narrow, but never quite enough.
Until last season. In a match played, like today’s, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Martha Thomas scored a second half goal and Spurs held on for a historic 1-0 win. Today, Spurs will attempt to achieve the impossible again.
Or is it? Tottenham have struggled this season, with just two wins from their first seven and losses already to both Manchester clubs and Chelsea. But this is also not the same Arsenal, with three draws and a loss in their opening seven matches, the Gunners parted ways with their head coach Jonas Eidvall, with Renee Slegers assuming interim leadership. The gulf between the clubs is still there — Arsenal are fourth and are insanely talented — but with some good play and against a rival in front of a boisterous home crowd, and considering last year’s fixture, is there anyone who would doubt that Tottenham Hotspur could again do the unlikely?
Tottenham welcome Amanda Nilden back from injury, though Spurs will still be without Kit Graham and Maite Oroz.
How to Watch
Tottenham Hotspur Women vs. Arsenal Women
Saturday, November 16, 2024
8:45 a.m. ET / 1:45 p.m. UK
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Tottenham, North London
TV: not televised (USA), BBC One (UK)
Stream: ESPN+ (USA), BBC iPlayer (UK)
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