Arsenal came from a goal down to beat Tottenham 2-1 in the WSL, with a contentious Alessia Russo penalty sealing a much-needed win for Renee Slegers.
Arsenal needed a response, and they got one. The Gunners recovered from behind to beat north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the Women's Super League, with Alessia Russo's controversial penalty proving decisive.
The result is only Arsenal's second league win of the season, which shows how much it mattered. Questions have been building around manager Renee Slegers, and a derby victory is the best way to quiet them, even if only for now.
Russo was the central figure. Her spot-kick was hotly debated, and Tottenham will feel the decision swung a tight contest. Whatever the arguments, the striker kept her composure from twelve yards when Arsenal needed her most.
For Spurs, this will sting. They led at one stage and had the chance to take a major derby result, but they could not hold on as Arsenal found the push needed to turn the game around.
Slegers now has a bit of breathing room and some momentum to build on. Arsenal's challenge is to turn one hard-fought derby win into a run of results that puts their season back on track.
