Caitlin Foord was player of the match as Arsenal's three Matildas all came to the party to help launch the Gunners' revival after a miserable spell in the Women's Super League.

Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Steph Catley started a match together for the first time this season and it all paid dividends as the trio enjoyed impressive games to earn the stuttering giants a much-needed 2-1 comeback derby win over north London rivals Tottenham. 

Nobody was more impressive than Foord, who on her first WSL start this season produced an inspirational driving performance, on and off the ball, as Arsenal finally managed to eke out their first league victory since winning their season opener.

The win, which came courtesy of goals from Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo after lifetime Arsenal fan Cathinka Tandberg had given Spurs a 13th minute lead, still leaves the Gunners well out of the title race as they lie only mid-table nine points adrift of champions and leaders Manchester City

But Foord, who's largely been a substitute this season until her action-packed 90 minutes on Saturday, reckoned the win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could prove a springboard for the revival of the team who became champions of Europe less than 18 months ago.

"It hasn't been good," the 31-year-old said of the pressure the team's been under with their poor early-season form. 

"We've been a bit unlucky in games at times but we just wanted to stick together, and obviously this is a big one for us to get the win in and hopefully build up the momentum from this.

"Most definitely the fans needed this as much as we did. They've stuck with us obviously through a hard time. They packed out the away section today, so we really wanted to get this one done for them today, and I'm glad we did."

Catley, who's had to manage a back problem this campaign, was beaten in the air alongside her colleagues Stanway and Emily Fox as Tandberg headed home Spurs' goal, but otherwise the Matildas ace was back at her commanding best.

Spurs, though, could feel aggrieved about Arsenal's winner, a 56th minute spot kick from England striker Alessia Russo.

It only came after the remarkably harsh penalty was awarded when Lisa Baum's shot bounced off the post and Tandberg's clearance hit Spurs teammate Ella Morris's outstretched hand a metre away when she clearly had no time to react.