Tottenham Hotspur Women 2 – 4 London City Lionesses: Spurs stung by speedy wingers

Tottenham Hotspur Girls fell 4-2 to fellow midtable standout London Metropolis Lionesses in final Sunday’s extremely anticipated matchup. Spurs matched London Metropolis for 2 objectives however have been unable to stop or reply to 81st and 84th minute strikes.

Martin Ho, as he has achieved not too long ago, chosen a comparatively unchanged facet – Ashleigh Neville began instead of Josefine Rybrink at proper again, and Tinka Tandberg got here in for Beth England up high.

Regardless of a powerful begin, we conceded early–practically on London Metropolis’s first alternative for assault. The aim got here on a nook when the Lionesses’ nook fell to their proficient, younger middle again Sangare, who performed it high of the field to Freya Godfrey. Godfrey’s end was one contact, and no one managed to react in time to clear. The perimeters traded assaults for a lot of the half – London Metropolis discovered pleasure down each wings, notably by Imuran, Parris and Godfrey, whereas Spurs made headway within the center. Ultimately, Spurs discovered an equalizer by an assault orchestrated by Olivia Holdt. After quite a lot of blocked photographs, the ball fell to Drew Spence within the field and he or she was fouled for the penalty. Tinka Tandberg took the penalty and made no mistake. (Sidebar – Tinka Tandberg is a lifelong fan of Harry Kane. Watch the pen and inform me whether or not you see the stylistic resemblance. I certain did.)

The Lionesses struck once more early within the second half. Drew Spence misplaced the ball in midfield and the Lionesses broke down our left facet. Amanda Nildén and Ash Neville had each dedicated too far ahead to be a lot assist stopping the counterattack. Nikita Parris tapped it in on the far publish, and presumably broke Lize Kop’s nostril within the course of. Lize wasn’t substituted, however I’m undecided she regarded proper for the remainder of the sport.

Eveliina Summanen equalized from a spectacular free kick within the 69th minute after Matilda Vinberg was introduced down simply exterior the field (ICYMI, you’ll find the good things right here). However Spurs makes an attempt to press on deflated as a result of an unfortunate personal aim within the 81st minute. Amanda Nildén was dashing towards the endline and will solely put the ball in her personal web when Asslani’s deflected free kick fell unexpectedly at her toes. Moments later, Tōko Koga gave the ball away in midfield. Spurs scrambled to cease the ensuing counter, however no one may cease Freya Godfrey from reducing inside and capturing previous Lize Kop. Spurs did not take a pair half-chances to scale back the deficit, and that was that.

Martin Ho made quite a lot of substitutions in an try and both shore issues up or change the sport. Martha Thomas changed Jess within the 61st minute, Beth England changed Tinka Tandberg within the 71st minute, Lenna Gunning-Williams got here in for Matilda Vinberg within the 89th minute. I discovered a few of these selections a bit odd – Jess and Matilda have been solely having OK video games, however Martha and Lenna haven’t proven something to make me suppose they could do higher. That mentioned, I’m undecided who I might’ve introduced on of their stead. I additionally would’ve preferred to see Martin substitute Amanda, who regarded very drained, or Eveliina, who’s presumably nonetheless carrying these damaged ribs.

It was a demoralizing finish to the sport, and an uncomfortable reminder forward of the North London Derby that this Spurs facet has not solely ironed out the sloppiness and haplessness that plagued the facet final 12 months.

Between the set piece routines, the midfield marking, and the pace up and down the wings, it was apparent London Metropolis got here ready for this recreation. I’m undecided we had a adequate plan in return. Most of our makes an attempt to progress the ball appeared to run by Olivia Holdt. London Metropolis marked her out of the sport for the primary half-hour, and even as soon as she acquired going, nicely, one particular person in all probability shouldn’t be doing every thing. To be honest, it was fairly congested within the middle of the pitch, and Olivia is a participant who actually shines holding on to the ball in tight areas. I wasn’t a fan of our makes an attempt to progress the ball down the wing into house since London Metropolis’s pacy fullbacks have been simply in a position to match even Jess Naz, who is sort of fast.

Martin Ho has given me no cause to suppose he gained’t tackle the tactical points within the coming weeks. However that is the factor – Godfrey and Rofiat Imuran each had monstrous video games in assault, as did a number of the large names in midfield like Asslani, Geyoro, and Kumagai. London Metropolis and Michelle Kang have actually invested. We’ve regarded superior beneath Martin Ho thus far, however we nonetheless have principally center of the street attacking expertise. I can solely hope our membership will tackle the depth and expertise points within the January switch window.

I’m sorry to report that we face Arsenal subsequent. Nonetheless, there might be worse instances to do it! Arsenal trailed us within the desk till final week, and now they’re solely forward on aim distinction. They’re coming off a 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich midweek within the Champions League during which they blew a 2 aim lead. They is perhaps drained, they is perhaps demoralized! Personally, I’m hoping we reprise our well-known 1-0 2023 victory towards them. Wouldn’t that be good?