Spurs went into the match having won their last three games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, including a 1-0 win in the North London derby last season.

But it never looked like they would make it four in a row after another terrible start.

After conceding after just 24 seconds against Manchester City last weekend, Spurs could only hold on for 39 seconds this time as striker Russo was left completely unhindered to volley across the goal and into the bottom corner.

Maanum then had the freedom of North London to control Kim Little’s pass just inside the area and stroke the ball past Rebecca Spencer to put the visitors in control.

Robert Vilahamn’s side have now conceded 21 goals in the league in their eight WSL matches this season, with no team conceding more in the opening 15 minutes.

They belatedly fought their way back into the match as the half progressed and came close to a reply when Beth England’s tantalizing move was tipped over from distance by Daphne van Domselaar.

Leah Williamson, making her 150th WSL appearance for Arsenal, then did well to head away a searching free-kick as England lurked at the far post.

Tottenham switched to a back five at half-time to try and tighten up defensively, but they were wide open again for Arsenal’s third goal.

Mariona Caldentey’s brilliant first pass put Blackstenius through and the Swedish striker finished calmly low past Spencer.

Interim boss Slegers has been coy about suggestions she could take the job permanently, but she is not hurting her chances with each match.

For Tottenham, there has been some mitigation for their poor form, with their five recent defeats, all against last season’s WSL top five.

Vilahamn will hope that the upcoming games against the current bottom three will allow them to regain some confidence and end that poor run.