We haven’t really talked about it here, which is partially my fault for not bringing it up, but Tottenham Hotspur Women have a HUGE league match today. It’s the Women’s North London Derby, and Spurs Women are heading to the Emirates.
Earlier this season Spurs were level on points with Arsenal in fourth place in the WSL. Recent results — losses to Chelsea, Everton and Manchester City — have changed that. Arsenal are six points ahead of Spurs in the table and also have two games in hand. But Spurs are still in fifth, nine points above Everton, and are well positioned back in their usual place of Best of the Rest.
It’s hard to overemphasize how much of a gulf there has been between Arsenal and Spurs Women. Arsenal are a women’s football juggernaut, winner of multiple top division trophies. Spurs only promoted to the top division in 2019. But that gulf has narrowed significantly in recent years. Spurs and Arsenal have played each other 20 times; Spurs have beaten Arsenal only twice in that time, with four draws, all of them recently.
To be sure, Arsenal are a better team right now that Spurs. They’re bigger, richer, more talented. They’re playing at the Emirates today in what will be a well-supported and charged atmosphere. But Spurs under Martin Ho have a puncher’s chance of picking up an upset, or at least a result. They’ll have to play exceedingly well to do so, but they’ve got a chance.
Lineups
Lineups will be posted when released by the clubs.
How to Watch
Arsenal Women vs. Tottenham Hotspur Women
Emirates Stadium, North London, England
TV: not televised (USA), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)
Stream: ESPN Select (formerly ESPN+)