This one is big. Tottenham Hotspur Women have started the season exceptionally well, with three wins and one draw from their opening four games. That, plus a league leading +13 on goal differential, has put them second in the table. Today’s match against London City Lionesses will be their biggest challenge yet.
London City finished sixth in the WSL last year, but they’re hardly expected to struggle. By contrast, owner Michelle Kang has sunk millions into building a team that hopes to compete for a Champions League place, and studded with recognizable names. Chief among those is Alexia Putellas, two time Ballon d’Or winner, who moved to London City from Barcelona this summer. Other recognizable players include Alexia’s Barca teammate Mapi Leon, England’s former #1 keeper Mary Earps, former Spurs midfielder Alana Kennedy, England international Nikita Parris, and former Arsenal star Danielle van de Donk. This is a team engineered to win, and to win quickly.
Contrast that to Spurs, who have spent the past few years gradually improving the team over time. But Spurs are also a good team — they have the league’s co-leading scorer Victoria Pelova, the league’s assist leader in Signe Gaupset, one of the best midfielders in the league in Olivia Holdt, a proven striker in Cathinka Tandberg, and a team that is well drilled and executing at a high level under Martin Ho.
But make no mistake — this will be the biggest challenge yet in this young WSL season. Spurs are at home, but they haven’t played a team as good as London City yet, and this is an important measuring stick as to Spurs’ ambitions this season.
This is your open thread.
Tottenham Hotspur Women vs. London City Lionesses
Brisbane Road, London, UK
TV: CBS Sports Network (USA), Sky Sports Football (UK)
Stream: Paramount+