\n<\/p>\n
The Gunners travelled across London under pressure following a disappointing defeat in Europe on Wednesday, when they threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Bayern Munich.<\/p>\n
Already trailing their WSL title rivals, Arsenal’s underwhelming start to the campaign \u2013 especially off the back of winning the Champions League \u2013 has been damaging.<\/p>\n
They needed to show a response, not just by picking up crucial points, but by putting in a performance against their local rivals that could signal the start of a reboot.<\/p>\n
The first 10 minutes offered a little optimism as they settled quickly and dominated possession, but it was apparent early on that Tottenham were comfortable with the set-up.<\/p>\n
A fizzing shot from midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross \u2013 the only addition to the starting XI from Wednesday’s defeat \u2013 and an effort straight at goalkeeper Kop from Stina Blackstenius were the only half-chances of note from Arsenal in an uninspiring first half.<\/p>\n
Renee Slegers needed to act and she made rare changes at the break, introducing record signing Smith and defender Taylor Hinds, and it made a difference.<\/p>\n
Smith was explosive down Arsenal’s right-hand side, causing problems for Amanda Nilden and creating numerous chances that were squandered.<\/p>\n
But despite her positive introduction, Arsenal could not find a way through Spurs’ resolute defence and a loose pass from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, which rolled out of play in stoppage time, summed up the performance from Slegers’ side.<\/p>\n
It was the fifth game this season they have dropped points and they remain outside the Champions League qualification spots in fourth place after nine games.<\/p>\n
“It’s hard at the moment. We can’t deny it. There’s also a lot of positives, but we’re not getting the wins that we want at the moment,” said Slegers.<\/p>\n
“A club like Arsenal wants and needs to win. So it’s a frustrating period, but we still see enough to keep building on. <\/p>\n
“We see that there’s things we can do that will turn it around for us because we believe that we have all this quality. That hasn’t just gone away all of a sudden.<\/p>\n
“There’s different expectations off the back of last season and the success we had. That’s always playing a little role in the background, probably.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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