In company with a record-breaking WSL crowd, we sat down to take in every element of what was the first-ever women’s North London derby to be played out at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. As fixtures go, this felt just as big as it should, with the fans providing an atmosphere worthy of the occasion.
38,262 fans were in attendance at the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium to witness the first women’s North London derby to be played at the venue. The number surpassed the previous record for a WSL fixture, set earlier this season at the Etihad for the Manchester derby, and it’s safe to say that the place was buzzing with excitement and anticipation prior to kick off as both teams geared up for what must have been the biggest game of their seasons so far.
To give the crowd numbers some perspective, Arsenal had sold-out their allocation of 3,000, and that number alone was more than three times higher than last season’s average crowd for the entire division overall. So add to that another 35,000 Spurs fans and a derby atmosphere, and the game had something of a cup final feel to it, transferring the energy and vibrancy from France this summer to England’s capital city.
This was the first meeting between the sides in the top tier following Spurs’ promotion last season. Arsenal, defending WSL champions, were always going to be favourites ahead of the game, but Spurs were looking to establish themselves in the league and consolidate their position as a top tier team, able to rub shoulders with the best in the country. And for 65 minutes, they did just that, with Kit Graham twice coming close to breaking the deadlock.
But it was a moment of brilliance from Kim Little, followed by a horrible error from Anna Filbey – a cruel moment that will live long in her memory for all the wrong reasons – capitalised on by the predatory Vivianne Miedema, that decided the match. But despite the result, Spurs certainly did themselves proud, from the players on the pitch to the last fan in the stadium. A momentous occasion in all ways and another leap forward for the women’s game.
Photography by SoccerBible.
