Mead, Russo combine to give Arsenal NLD win

Arsenal kept their hopes of winning the Women's Super League (WSL) title alive on Sunday with a hard-earned 1-0 win over north London rivals Tottenham, in front of a sell-out crowd at the Emirates.

Alessia Russo's 49th minute goal from a Beth Mead assist proved to be the difference as Arsenal remained in third place, but moved three points behind Manchester City, who went top of the table with their win over Everton on Saturday. The result leaves Tottenham in sixth on 19 points.

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The 60,050 fans in attendance meant it was the second-time this season that Arsenal have sold out the Emirates, with the first coming in their win over Manchester United last month.

The match was also the first WSL fixture in history to have an all-female grounds team, as Arsenal collaborated with the Grounds Management Association to highlight women's contribution to sport and encourage more to consider a career in grounds management.

Arsenal dominated the early exchanges and almost went ahead in the fifth minute, when Russo escaped from her marker at the far post but was unable to get her body in position quick enough to turn in Steph Catley's inswinging corner.

It was the first of nine corners that Arsenal won in the first half, with a majority of them coming from the right, where Caitlin Foord and Catley repeatedly ran in behind opposition right-back Amanda Nildén.

But for all of Arsenal's probing, clear chances remained at a premium with the hosts guilty of being too ponderous inside the box. Arsenal's rising frustration in front of goal saw Spurs grow in confidence.

As they did successfully in the reverse fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Robert Vilahamn's side sat deep in their half and set up to play on the counter.

The approach nearly paid dividends in the 17th minute, when Martha Thomas stole into the box after a quick break but had her shot comfortably saved by Manuela Zinsberger.

Grace Clinton, who scored her first England goal against Austria on Feb. 23, excelled in midfield and along with Thomas, was key to helping Tottenham play through the Arsenal press.

The visitors nearly took the lead in the 24th minute, when Jessica Naz broke into the box and her shot from a tight angle was tipped onto the crossbar.

Arsenal began the second half with greater urgency and finally found the breakthrough via Russo in the 49th minute. A Kim Little ball over the top fell to Mead, whose cutback was lashed in from close-range by the England international.

The goal appeared to suck the life out of Tottenham, who struggled to find a way back into the game.

Arsenal, too, appeared content to sit back as their decision to consolidate their lead caused the game to lose a little of its edge. 

Goalkeeper Zinsberger had little to do in the second half and Spurs' drop-off in intensity allowed Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall to bring Leah Williamson on for the remaining minutes.

The England captain, who had pulled out of her national team's recent international friendlies through injury, replaced Laia Codina in the 73rd minute to loud cheers from the Arsenal faithful.

The occasion at the Emirates was further heightened by the fact that it was the first WSL fixture in history to have an all-female grounds team.