After a disappointing last two games in the WSL, we came out in N17 with positive spirit and on the front foot, where we took the lead through Cathinka Tandberg on 13 minutes for her first goal at our world-famous home in Tottenham.
But, just four minutes later, we were pegged back by Georgia Stanway as her strong effort from the edge of the box found the back of the net via the underside of the crossbar.
Despite still looking competitive and producing opportunities, it was the visitors who took the lead 11 minutes into the second half when Alessia Russo converted from the penalty spot after Ella Morris was harshly penalised for a handball.
We put on the pressure in the closing stages, with Martin making a number of changes, but that was how it ended as we were narrowly edged out in the north London derby.
“For large parts, we were competitive, much better in terms of how we competed physically and defensively, how organised we were and the adaptation from the players to go from being front footed to being a bit more reserved was good,” Martin told us, speaking to SPURSPLAY after the match.
“Then, they pushed at the end, but within that spell of the game, I thought we had some chances, some good possession to create chances and maybe just lacked that little bit of cutting edge.”
“We tried to change it. We wanted to be more solid in the initial phase and then tried to push the game a little bit later. We had a different plan of how we attack those central spaces, but also still give us some stability. Then, the changes in Shekiera [Martinez], Kirsty [Hanson] and Olivia [Holdt] when they came into the game, to try and give us that balance going forward too. We got in good positions. We just lacked that last action.”
With over 13,000 coming out to support the team in north London this afternoon, Martin was full of praise for our Lilywhite fanbase and was pleased with the performance that his players gave in front of them.
“Home and away they continue to support us,” he added. “We have to just make sure we give credible performances like the players did today. I couldn't ask any more. I'm really proud of them as a group and we just have to hope now; we can continue to move forward.
“We keep building to what we need to do and we've got some important games coming up now, in the cup and the league, that we need to make sure we put full focus into.”