Tottenham Hotspur hold Arsenal to goalless draw in WSL clash

LONDON – Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur shared a 0-0 draw in the Women’s Super League on Sunday, a result that prevented either side from climbing above Manchester United into third place.

Arsenal created the clearer openings in a match short on quality at the BetWright Stadium, but their finishing let them down in key moments. Beth Mead volleyed across goal for Alessia Russo midway through the first half, only for the England striker to steer her first-time effort wide. Stina Blackstenius later broke clear of Clare Hunt and forced a strong save from Spurs goalkeeper Lize Kop.

Mead, who appeared to suffer a knock early on, was replaced at halftime by Olivia Smith. The Canadian winger immediately injected pace into Arsenal’s attack, beating Amanda Nildén on the flank and cutting the ball back, but Blackstenius squandered the chance from close range.

Smith went close again on the hour when Russo’s clever flick sent her through on goal, but her driven shot was turned away by Kop, who delivered a composed performance throughout. Mariona Caldentey, making her 50th start for Arsenal, also tried her luck from distance but shot high.

Tottenham rarely threatened but nearly snatched a late winner through substitute Martha Thomas, scorer of Spurs’ last derby victory in 2023. The forward, however, fired wide after finding space in the closing minutes.

The draw leaves both sides level in the race for European qualification, with Arsenal’s missed chances likely to feel costly as the season heads into its decisive phase.