BBC

'The angle was tight but it was top-class'

Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham

Helen Ward

Former Wales striker on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

I tell you what, that is some finish from Alessia Russo!

The angle was tight. She did ever so well to get around the goalkeeper. I thought she might've taken it a little too wide but it was absolutely top-class.

Tottenham are playing this much more expansive style of football, but once their press is broken they are getting in all sorts of trouble.

'Both teams will be bang up for it'

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Helen Ward

Former Wales striker on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It is going to take a lot for Tottenham to break Arsenal's winning run.

Tottenham have had a good season themselves though. They have sort of slowed down a little bit in recent weeks, but this is a north London derby. It is an exciting fixture and probably one both teams looked for first at the start of the season.

Both teams will be bang up for it here. You have to say Arsenal are in flying form but Tottenham will want to cause an upset.

'We can only focus on ourselves'

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Arsenal

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers speaking to Sky Sports: "I'm looking forward to this very much. It's a special game for us and for the fans. There's a lot of fans coming today and the sun is out, so it's going to be a special moment at the Emirates. We are ready to go.

"We can only focus on ourselves [when it comes to the title race]. We have to keep on doing what we're doing, being in the moment, and doing all those small things that lead to performances. That's what we are focusing on. Of course, today is a big occasion because it is the north London derby. We want to get the three points."

'We need to play the game not the occasion'

Arsenal v Tottenham (17:30 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham head coach Martin Ho speaking to Sky Sports: "It is a wonderful occasion for us, for Arsenal and for women's football. When you have so many people in attendance for one of these games, it shows the growth of the game. It's a credit to both teams to be able to play in front of so many fans.

"We're going to have to show much of what we showed in that second half against Manchester City. We need to show control when we have the ball. We need to play the game not the occasion because it will be loud, noisy and hostile. We have to be robust defensively as well, making sure we are hard to break down and play against.

"Maika [Hamano] and Toko [Koga] are important for how we want to start the game and how we want to play. They are what we need at the start of the game, but things change throughout and the team that starts never finishes. Our other players will be ready to contribute."

'The quick turnaround hurts us'

FT: Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner speaking to the BBC: "I think it was just physically a slow start, because that is where we're at. We are a team who are giving absolutely everything. It was the same when we played City here last year, we had the energy and they didn't. It is an energy game. The quick turnaround from the Champions League, it hurts us, but we knew that.

"We have seen the fantastic youth we have to bring in and we have high hopes for their futures, then you see the difference in who City bring in, it's day and night, so I want to say that I am proud of those two young players coming in. Layla [Drury] was incredible, and then Jess [Anderson] to play at Old Trafford is incredible for them.

"It is tough at the minute because we are what we are and there is not much you can do. At Old Trafford you can't sit in and wait."

On if the squad size is impacting performance: "For sure, but I've got to accept that. The smaller the squad size the tiniest ability [you have] to change it around. What we have to do is try to find a way. We have a great opportunity next to try to turn around the Bayern tie. I told them in the huddle that we are hurting but we have to accept that and try to put it into going to play Bayern away and trying to turn that around. It is what it is and we have to move forward with it."

Man City win derby to move closer to WSL title

FT: Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City

Emma Sanders

BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Old Trafford

Vivianne Miedema's double helped Manchester City edge closer to the Women's Super League title with a comfortable derby win over neighbours United.

Andree Jeglertz's side need just two more victories to confirm their first league title in a decade and their fans left Old Trafford in a party mood. Netherlands international Miedema went off to a standing ovation in the second half with her side 3-0 up after she had scored twice in as many first-half minutes.

It was another impressive display by the champions-elect as they capitalised on a ruthless start with Miedema's headers. City were in complete control when Kerstin Casparij dealt another blow to United, following up at the back post to score their third goal within 49 minutes.

It was the second time this week United had suffered defeat at Old Trafford, having lost 3-2 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday. But this was even worse as City toyed with United, showing them up in their own backyard, and it was barely a contest.

Marc Skinner's side face a battle to remain in the top three - securing European football next season - and could drop to fourth on Sunday. They currently sit second, 11 points behind City and only three points above fourth-placed Arsenal. The Gunners and rivals Chelsea play later this weekend.

Liverpool beat Everton for first away WSL win this season

FT: Everton 2-3 Liverpool

Jess Anderson

BBC Sport

Ten-player Liverpool held on for their first Women's Super League win on the road this season with a hard-fought victory over local rivals Everton at Goodison Park.

Three first-half goals had put Liverpool well on their way to a comfortable victory, but a second-half fightback from Everton left the Reds clinging on to the three points. Gareth Taylor's side took a deserved early lead after Inma Gabarro gave away a penalty when she handled the ball in the box and Ceri Holland calmly slotted down the middle from the spot.

The visitors doubled their lead on 20 minutes as persistent pressure paid off and Martina Fernandez could only head Alejandra Bernabe's cross into the back of her own net. That goal sparked Everton into life and they had opportunities of their own before Holland tore through the middle of the park then curled a sweet strike into the top corner to give Liverpool a three-goal cushion at half-time.

But Everton were much improved in the second half and received a stroke of luck when Aurora Galli's free-kick took a heavy deflection off the Liverpool wall, leaving goalkeeper Jennifer Falk stranded as it dropped into the back of the net.

That kick-started a lively final 30 minutes where Grace Fisk was shown a second yellow card for rashly tripping Zara Kramzar off the ball after the Everton midfielder had barged into her. Scott Phelan's side proceeded to pepper the Liverpool goal as Maz Pacheco went close with an audacious volley, then Kramzar clattered off the bar before setting up a tense finale when she slotted past Falk in the 91st minute.

But Liverpool clung on for their first away win in what has been a difficult season and the result distances them further from the drop with eight points now separating them from Leicester in the relegation place.

'We love to be in this rhythm'

Arsenal v Tottenham (17:30 GMT)

Arsenal

Derby day continues on Saturday evening when Arsenal host north London rivals Tottenham.

The Gunners are currently fourth – 14 points behind Manchester City but with three games in hand – and have a spring in their step after a 3-1 win over Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

“We love to be in this rhythm of playing games. It’s a rhythm that we like, the short turnarounds,” said boss Renee Slegers.

“We get to work towards the next game. We have a big squad. We have players ready to go, so we love to be in this rhythm.”

Striker Stina Blackstenius, who scored the first goal against Chelsea, will make her 150th appearance for the Gunners if she comes off the bench.

Tottenham should not appoint former Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi because of his support for Mason Greenwood, says a women's fans group.

De Zerbi, who has been suggested as a potential replacement for under-pressure interim manager Igor Tudor, signed former England forward Greenwood during his time at the Ligue 1 club.

Greenwood, 24, left Manchester United in 2023, after charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped.

In November, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a "good guy" who had paid a "heavy price".

Women of the Lane said De Zerbi's comments raised "serious questions about judgement and leadership".

The group, whose aim is to eradicate sexism and misogyny in football, said: "This is not an appointment Tottenham Hotspur should make."

Tottenham have won only one point in five Premier League matches under Tudor and are one point and one place above the relegation zone.

Italian De Zerbi, who left Marseille in February, has been reported as a replacement this season or during the summer.

He spent two successful seasons at Brighton, leading them into Europe, before leaving for Marseille in 2024.

In November, De Zerbi said of Greenwood: "It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described."

Proud Lilywhites, Spurs' official LGBTQ+ fans' group, said: "When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters, not just in isolation but in what it signals."

Spurs Reach, Tottenham's official race, ethnicity and cultural heritage fans' group, said: "Regardless of intent, framing of this nature risks normalising harmful attitudes."

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: Women's Super League stats & head-to-head  BBC

Tottenham manager Martin Ho has signed a new long-term contract with the Women's Super League club.

The 35-year-old joined in July 2025 from Norwegian side SK Brann and has had an impressive first campaign.

Spurs currently sit fifth in the WSL table with nine wins from 18 matches and, with four games remaining, are four points away from beating their best points tally of 32, set in 2021-22.

They are six points behind fourth-placed Arsenal - who have two games in hand - and the two meet on Saturday at Emirates Stadium (17:30 GMT).

Ho, a former Manchester United assistant coach, picked up the February manager of the month award following strong displays from his side.

He said: "I'm really proud to extend my time at Tottenham Hotspur. I want to thank the club for the trust and belief they've shown in me.

"That alignment is vital when you're building something with real purpose. From the moment I arrived, there was a clear vision around the direction of the club.

"Together, we've started to lay strong foundations in terms of identity, standards, and the way we want to work every day.

"There has been progress, but we know there is much more to come."

We asked for your views on how much Spurs have missed injured winger Dejan Kulusevski this season.

Here are some of your comments:

Chris: Huge. He's the best player in the squad, alongside Maddison, when both are fit. The heart of our midfield has been ripped out. Let's not forget too that Kulusevski can play in several positions. Always 110% effort, unlike 90% of the current first XI.

Andrew: We've missed him a lot. Probably the biggest loss of all. A very good "outlet" player - had strength, power, decent pace and wasn't afraid to shoot from distance. You'd like to think he'd return and get close to his best form but, sadly, I doubt it.

Hec: We have missed him and Maddison enormously. No creativity at all. But poor managers, team selection and tactics have also contributed enormously. The silence coming from N17 is deafening. Does this mean that Tudor is staying? No, please no!

Tom: Of our top five goalscorers from last season, we've lost four - Johnson (18), Maddison (12), Son (11), and Kulusevski (10) - while Solanke (16) was out for half the season. No team survives when they lose so many goalscorers and don't replace those goals.

Dejan Kulusevski's continued absence could hardly have come at a worse time for Tottenham.

The 25-year-old posted on social media that his knee is "great" after social media footage showed him limping while visiting Sweden's national team camp this week, but there is still no timeline for his return.

Kulusevski has scored 25 goals and provided 30 assists in 146 appearances for the club since his move from Juventus, initially on loan, in January 2022, and Spurs have missed his creativity for 10 months now.

The difference in attacking output and results with and without him is stark.

Since his debut, Spurs have played 116 Premier League games in which Kulusevski has featured, winning 54 times - a win percentage of 46.5%.

They have played 47 times in the league without him, winning just 13 times - a win percentage of 27.7%.

Their average goals per game is two with Kulusevski in the team and 1.3 without him, while their points per game drops from 1.5 to 1.1 in his absence.

Of course, the majority of Tottenham's games without the forward have come this season, when their form has put them in the battle to avoid relegation.

However, how much of an impact would Kulusevski have had on Spurs' campaign should he have been available throughout?

Tottenham fans, how much have you missed Kulusevski this season? And what impact would his availability have had on your league position and performance?

Matilda Vinberg has penned a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur.

Vinberg arrived at Spurs having been a key part of Swedish club, Hammarby IF's double-winning side in the 2023 campaign.

She scored her first goal for Tottenham in March, 2024, in a 1-0 win at home to Leicester City in the Women's Super League.

Vinberg made 23 appearances for Spurs in the 2024/25, 18 of those coming in the WSL.

Head Coach Martin Ho, said: "I'm delighted Matilda has committed her future to the club. It shows real belief in the direction we're going, and continuity in the group is a key part of building something strong."

Vinberg said: "It feels amazing, obviously I'm very happy here. It was an easy decision for me to extend my contract. Ever since I started my journey here at Spurs, I've had great support from the staff, the players are amazing, and I think we have a good potential to become a top team in the WSL."

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Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski has issued an update on his continued rehabilitation, saying his knee is "great" after a recent "intervention".

Kulusevski has not played since May 2025 after seriously injuring his knee in a challenge with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

The injury required surgery on the Sweden international's right patella, but he was expected to return around the end of last year.

He has remained sidlelined for longer than expected however, with former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank saying before his dismissal last month that he "didn't know" if Kulusevski would play again this season and current interim head coach Igor Tudor saying on Friday there is no timeline yet for his return.

Images on social media showing the 25-year-old limping at his country's national team camp this week had also sparked concern among Spurs fans.

In a post on his Instagram story, Kulusevski said: "Just to clarify things. I'm limping because I had a small intervention in the knee two weeks ago.

"Went in and took out what was not suppose to be there. Knee is great now. Thanks for all the support."

When asked about Kulusevski before Thursday's World Cup play-off against Ukraine, Sweden manager Graham Potter said: "Dejan is making progress, but not as quickly as we would have liked."

Northampton Saints will treat playing Saracens at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as if it was a cup final, according to prop Manny Iyogun.

Saturday's Prem fixture will be the second part of a women and men's double header, titled Showdown VI, at the 62,850-capacity stadium.

Last week Saracens reported that 40,000 tickets had already been sold, external for an event which will also see Dizzee Rascal perform live between the two games.

"It's got a bit of a finals vibe to it and games like this prep you for finals in knockout rugby and that's exactly how we're approaching it," Iyogun told BBC Radio Northampton's Saints Show.

Saints are two points clear at the top of the Prem table following their narrow, below-their-best win over Newcastle Red Bulls - and have already beaten Saracens twice this season in league and cup.

Sarries, meanwhile, returned to Prem action last Friday with a heavy 62-point defeat at Bath, leaving them in sixth place, eight points outside the play-off spots.

Iyogun's team-mate Tom Lockett believes they will be playing at the "best new stadium in the UK".

"To get a chance to play in it is pretty cool, something we're all pretty excited for but ultimately we've still got to perform as if it's the Gardens or any stadium," second row Lockett said.

"We'll go down on Friday and get a feel for the stadium and then hopefully put that to the back of our mind and go and do the job.

"We've got better at that over the years, playing in big environments and finding out what works and what doesn't work and how we get back on script when things aren't going to plan.

"Obviously we want to be involved in as many big games as possible so it can only be a good thing [to play there]."

England lock Alex Coles could again be absent because of injury suffered on Six Nations duty so 23-year-old Lockett may again inherit the key role as line-out routines caller.

"Colesy is huge for us not only in terms of how he plays but also how he leads that line-out area," Lockett added.

"I've taken so much from him over the past five or six years. I like to think I'm in a good position now where I've got enough experience to take that mantle from him."

Asked how many different routines Saints have, he replied: "It's basically a language and you have to be fluent in that language to know all the different moves you could run.

"If you put a number on it, it would be well into the thousands. Colesy's coming up with new stuff all the time."

So, are there any Tottenham supporters in the Saints dressing room? Not according to Iyogun.

"It's a very tough time [to be a Spurs fan] and playing at Tottenham probably wouldn't be the best experience [if you were]," he said.

"I'm Chelsea fan so me and [strength and conditioning coach] Tommy Buller - he's a Man City fan - have a bit of a natter about it. There's a lot of football fans, Colesy's an Arsenal fan, so there's a bit of rivalry."