Arsenal 5-0 Tottenham: Gunners run riot on WSL derby day in a sold-out Emirates Stadium… as Chloe Kelly makes her Gunners return
- Clare Hunt, Mariona Caldentey, Frida Maanum, Russo and Emily Fox all scored
- Chloe Kelly came off the bench for her second debut after exit from Man City
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Will Liverpool recover from Everton blow in season-defining week?
The home supporters in a sold-out Emirates Stadium were treated to a derby demolition job yesterday as Arsenal ran riot against rivals Tottenham in a five-goal rout.
Chloe Kelly was welcomed back with open arms by the Gunners faithful after her acrimonious exit from Manchester City earlier this month.
It had been 2,815 days since Kelly last donned the red and white, and the 27-year-old put in a fine half-hour cameo, coming off the bench and almost immediately setting up her England team-mate Alessia Russo.
Kelly came agonisingly close to scoring herself in the dying moments of the game, only to be denied by the woodwork — all signs pointing to a sense of freedom that Renee Slegers is looking to instil in the winger, who will be desperate to impress ahead of this summer’s Euros.
‘She’s passionate as a person. You can see she’s smiling a lot and is very happy with where she’s at,’ Slegers said. ‘It’s important that you have players in a good place, feeling good and feeling motivated. That is when you get the most out of yourself.’
‘Since I stepped into this club, I have felt a warm welcome,’ agreed Kelly. ‘What a game to (make my debut) in, the derby. It felt amazing.’
Arsenal thrashed north London rivals Tottenham 5-0 at the Emirates on Sunday
Chloe Kelly came off the bench for her second Gunners debut after her exit from Man City
The 27-year-old put in a fine half-hour cameo, coming off the bench to set up Alessia Russo
Arsenal have been flying high since former assistant Slegers took the top job in October, having only been beaten once in her 10 games in charge in the top flight. But their opener was down to fortune rather than their improved quality.
Kyra Cooney-Cross’s delivery towards Russo in the penalty area deflected off the England international’s marker, Clare Hunt, to find the back of the net. Spain World Cup winner Mariona Caldentey doubled the home side’s lead before Frida Maanum and Russo made it four after the break.
By the time Emily Fox found the back of the net in the 90th minute, Tottenham were well and truly done for.
Elsewhere, Lauren James hit a stoppage-time winner as Chelsea defeated Everton 2-1, while a brace from Elisabeth Terland as well as a late goal from Grace Clinton ensured Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 3-1.
