It was another big evening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, as Spurs Women faced Man Utd. There was the customary build up including, for the first time, a pre-match light show at a Tottenham WSL game.
Unfortunately, there were not many fans in the stadium to see it.
My understanding is that there were about 5,000 there, by far the lowest there has ever been for a women’s game at the stadium, largely as a result of Sky picking the game as the 6.45 pm kick-off. Those who did attend didn’t get to see a great match, or, as Man Utd boss Marc Skinner tactfully put things: |"It wasn’t exhilarating."
Familiar Frustrations
For Spurs, there were the usual frustrations that all boil down to the same thing - not stepping up in a big game. Manager Robert Vilahalmn had spoken about this ahead of kick-off, and tried to put a positive spin on things, saying “ I actually think we’re taking steps against the big teams.” He posited that the second half against the Red Devils was better than the performance that saw his side famously beat Arsenal last season. Maybe.
In reality, Beth England toiled, but probably dropped too deep too often, Jess Naz tried to have a go but to little effect, while Haley Raso was energetic and dangerous on the break but looked like she was trying to get sent off. The only real danger Spurs posed was a flurry at the start of the second half, a decent hit by Naz on 65 minutes and a crucial headed opportunity for England that she really should have put in.
Grace Clinton didn’t even need to come on and show the home fans what they are missing.Spurs Still Have a Way to Go
Vilahalmn is right the second half was a better performance and his side probably would have deserved a goal and a point if they could have grabbed it. However, there is still the fundamental problem of getting over the line in these games. Maybe Spurs just don’t quite have the squad to do it yet and his step-by-step approach will pay-off eventually. It is though hard not to be a bit frustrated when you see the progress that Man Utd have made.
Skinner actually said he feels that with Spurs “there’s a lot of progress” but his group “have a true DNA of a Manchester United team.” With Tottenham, “when you're so young you don't have the identity and Rob is trying to grow that.”
One thing is for certain, Vilhalamn is keen at being at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. "I just love being here under the lights,” he said, adding that the stadium is “my happy place."
Hopefully, the results in the big games here can turn and make it an even happier place for him and his players. Based on Sunday, there is still some way to go.
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