Russo penalty helps Arsenal come from behind to beat Tottenham

Arsenal came from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the Women's Super League on Saturday 24 October, with Alessia Russo's penalty giving them the lead. It was their second league win of the season.

The Women's Super League is England's top women's football competition. This was a north London derby, a meeting between two clubs from the same part of the capital, which always carries extra edge. The fixture was listed for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a 12:45pm kick-off.

A penalty is a free shot from 12 yards, awarded when a defender commits a foul inside their own penalty area. Russo's successful spot-kick turned the game in Arsenal's favour after they had been behind. BBC Sport reported the goal as the moment Arsenal went in front.

Arsenal are managed by Renee Slegers, who will be looking for a steady run of results as the league season develops. The win also stands out against the last meeting between the two sides. In March, Arsenal beat Tottenham 5-2 at the Emirates Stadium, and Russo scored a first-half hat-trick, her first for Arsenal, according to The Guardian's live coverage.

For Arsenal, the result is a reminder that a match can change shape quickly. For neutral fans, it is a fine example of a derby that stayed open until the end. Tottenham had the lead before Arsenal found the answer, and the contest turned on a single decision in the box.

If you are new to the women's game, the key thing to know is simple. Every goal, every penalty and every derby counts in the same table, and a win like this one moves a team up the standings one point at a time.