North London Derby Returns with Arsenal Women Facing Spurs 

The north London derby returns to Emirates Stadium next month with Arsenal facing Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 16 February 2025.   

This local encounter is one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in English football. A historic rivalry entrenched in two teams’ desire to claim victory over this patch of London. 

It’s a renowned and well-documented clash in the men’s game, with the fixture dating back to the early part of last century but do you know the north London derby history between the clubs’ women’s teams? 

Arsenal and Tottenham first met in the Women’s FA Cup on 19 March 2017, with the Gunners thrashing their local rivals 10-0 in a match notable for the debut of Beth Mead – who scored her first goal for the club too. 

Since that one-sided start, the fixture has certainly become more competitive as Tottenham’s women’s team has developed considerably, but north London has remained predominantly red over the last eight years.  

The excitement around the rivalry has certainly grown and the women’s NLD has welcomed over 107,000 supporters to the last two fixtures at Emirates – no other tie in English football generates such incredible support. 

Recent North London derby results 

Arsenal Women and Tottenham Hotspur Women have faced each other in 15 competitive matches across all competitions, with Arsenal securing an emphatic 13 wins – two of those on penalties – with just one draw and one defeat. Spurs’ only win came in the Women’s Super League on 16 December 2023 – a hard-fought 1-0 victory. 
 
Since then, normal service has resumed with the Gunners winning the last two matches – both in the WSL, Alessia Russo grabbed the only goal in a 1-0 win last season in front of a sell-out crowd at Emirates and earlier this season, Russo was on the mark again, along with Frida Maanum and Stina Blackstenius in a 3-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

Key players 

Alessia Russo, currently ranks second in the league for goals scored this season, having totalled seven in the Women’s Super League. 

Meanwhile, Russo’s England international teammate and north London rival, Beth England, is also in potent form this campaign with five goals, putting her fourth in the WSL charts.  

In terms of goal creation, assists are spread evenly across the Spurs side, but the Gunners have a standout provider in Katie McCabe who has set up four goals this season, placing her second in the WSL rankings.   

At the other end of the pitch, Arsenal’s defence is particularly resolute, having conceded just five goals after 11 WSL matches, including a league-leading eight clean sheets. Tottenham’s defensive record has been disappointing this campaign, but the signing of Dutch international goalkeeper Lize Kop during the January transfer window, could add a new, more resilient streak to Robert Vilahamn’s team. 

The impact of Emirates Stadium 

There’s nothing quite like experiencing a rivalry first-hand, and Emirates Stadium is the perfect stage for a derby day.  With a ‘bring the noise’ section, a family area, multiple restaurants, bars and kiosks – there’s really something for everyone.

In February, we’ll see the two clubs face each other for the 26th time in all competitive matches for men and women at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal has enjoyed an impressive 65% win rate in these matchups, Illustrating that the electric atmosphere generated by a packed Emirates on derby day is a true inspiration for the players in red and white.

Over 40,00 women’s north London derby tickets have been sold already for the 2024/25 fixture in N5 – meaning energy levels are all-set to raise the roof, and the atmosphere is sure to make an impact. 

How can hospitality tickets enhance your NLD experience? 

To really celebrate derby day, why not relax and have brunch and drinks pre-match in one of the iconic bars at Emirates Stadium, such as the Women’s Super Lounge. The lounge’s delicious, locally sourced small plates, vibrant cocktails - and refreshing mocktails - are perfect to enjoy whilst catching up with family, mates or dates throughout the afternoon. Then at the full-time whistle, once you’ve soaked in the on-pitch action from your luxe seats, you can kick back, relax and celebrate by sipping on bubbles.

Or, if you’ll be celebrating derby day in a group, why not hang out in your own exclusive Executive Box? Arsenal’s boxes, are a great place to have your own private party with your loved ones inside the stadium on matchday. From £175 per person for yourself and your guests*, you can enjoy delicious private dining, all-inclusive drinks, and get really in on the action with an epic view of the pitch from box level seats.

However you choose to enjoy it, the north London derby is sure to be an incredible matchday.  

*based on a box for 10 people. 

All statistics are correct at the time of publication: Monday 27 January 2025.