A new Women's Super League record was set on Saturday afternoon as 47,367 packed out the Emirates to watch Arsenal run riot over North London Derby rivals Spurs.Euro 2022 star Beth Mead wasted no time in giving the home fans something to cheer about as she netted the opening goal after just five minutes.After her opener, goals from Vivianne Miedema and Rafaelle secured Arsenal's second win from as many games.
A fiery first half
Mead, who is in blistering form right now, has not taken her foot off the gas since contributing 11 goals and eight assists to the Gunners' tally last season.
Her form followed her into the summer, where she played a crucial role in England's historic Euro 2022 title win.
The Lioness won the Golden Boot after bagging six goals and five assists in six appearances. Her efforts also earned her the Player of the Tournament award.
SHOP OUR LEAH WILLIAMSON T-SHIRT TO CELEBRATE ENGLAND’S EURO 2022 WIN
Since returning to domestic football, the winger has scored three times in the first two matches of the WSL season.
It took just four minutes for Mead to find the opener against Spurs and a patient Arsenal build up eventually paved the way for a Miedema goal to double the lead after 44 minutes.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Beth Mead of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Katie McCabe after scoring their team's first goal during the FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
An historic afternoon
Along with the record attendance, a record number of ticket sales were also announced.
A total of 53,737 tickets were sold ahead of the North London Derby. The popularity of Euro 2022 is truly showing more fans are eager to see these superstars in action at domestic level.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: An LED board inside the stadium displays a message reading "record ticket sales" during the FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Less than ten minutes after half-time, Arsenal's summer signing Rafaelle made it 3-0 with a beautiful header to finish off a set-piece chance.
Miedema bagged her brace in the 69th minute before making way for Jordan Nobbs.
Mead was substituted off a few minutes later and the Emirates erupted into applause as she exited the pitch.
Ian Wright, who went viral for his reaction to Mead's masterclass against Norway at Euro 2022, posted his response as the stadium showed it appreciation for Mead.
"Goosebumps watching Beth go off and around the pitch. That was brilliant," he wrote.
Arsenal had some further half chances during the rest of the second half but none came to fruition. Their 4-0 sees them remain at the top of the WSL table with six points and a goal difference of eight.
It was a North London Derby for the history books — regardless of result — for both teams as a magnificent new record crowd showed up to watch the two sides in action.