Impetus Football

Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Manchester United

Above: Ella Morris on the ball Photo: Spurs Women

In a highly anticipated clash between fifth placed Tottenham Hotspur and fourth placed Manchester United, the home side put on an excellent show on and off the pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and will be disappointed that they did not come away with all three points.

Team News

Spurs welcomed back Maika Hamano after the Japanese International missed the FA Cup quarter final against parent club Chelsea. Bethany England was a surprise absence from the side and Hannah Wijk was missing after her season ending injury, sustained on international duty.

Manchester United were boosted with Millie Turner being able start, despite being expected to miss the game. Ella Toone and Ella Wangerheim returned from injury, joining Melvine Malard on the bench. Joint top scorer Elisabeth Terland missed out.

The Action

The first half was all Spurs, who dominated possession, moving the ball brilliantly with short interchanges in midfield and looking to get fullbacks Julie Blackstad and Ella Morris high up the pitch to provide width.

Blakstad found some space on the edge of the area and her miss-hit cross flew just over the bar. Drew Spence then teed up Signe Gaupset, who’s deflected shot flashed just wide of the post after Matilda Vindberg had found space down the right.

From the resulting corner, Cathinka Tandberg rose highest to head just over, before Spence found space at the edge of the area. Her shot was high and wide.

The hosts’ onslaught continued as on the 38th minute, Tandberg missed a good chance, heading straight at Phallon Tullis-Joyce with the whole goal to aim at from eight yards out. United were grateful for Maya Le Tissier, who’s challenge distracted the Swedish striker.

Before half time, Tullis-Joyce punched out well from underneath her post from an another dangerous in-swinging corner with the away side seemingly relieved to hear the half-time whistle blow. The reds looked devoid of ideas, with only Jess Park and Jade Riviere looking confident going forwards.

Marc Skinner looked to his bench to try and wrestle some momentum in the game with Malard replacing Simi Awujo. It had a positive effect, with United looking to get the ball and bodies forwards faster.

After Olivia Holdt’s bouncing effort was tipped behind by Tullis-Joyce, Spurs playing out from defence nearly cost them twice in quick succession.

First, United won the ball high up the pitch, quickly working the ball to Malarde, who ran at the defence before seeing her shot palmed away by Lize Kop. The France international then headed United’s best chance wide at the back post from Rivere’s excellent cross.

A moment of magic from Vindberg nearly opened the scoring when she brilliantly nutmegged Fridonlina Rolfö, but her goal-bound shot was well blocked by Turner.

After Morris had won a free-kick in an excellent position, Vindberg’s excellent low cross found the full back in the area, but she poked the ball just wide.

In the 76th minute, there was a let off for Kop as she spilt substitute Toone’s shot, but Toko Koga reacted first to clear.

The game became much more open, as both sides began to tire. Malard had a shot deflected wide before the lively Vindberg carried the ball at pace, but her shot was just about kept out by Tullis-Joyce.

After a stretching Spence had missed the target at the back post from close range, the Lilywhite’s poor finishing continued when Lenna Gunning-Williams ran clear of the defence after cleverly eluding Le Tissier. Unfortunately, her shot lacked power and Tullis-Joyce was able to make a comfortable save.

With added time played, the fans of both sides held their breath as Tullis-Joyce joined her teammates in the Spurs box for the final corner of the game, but Kop commanded her box well to claim the corner.

Analysis

An entertaining day on an off the pitch for Spurs ended in frustration. An excellent pre-match display of T-Shirt cannons, DJ beats and interactive competitions was matched by a fast-paced confident display on the pitch.

However, for all their good play and 42 touches in the opposition penalty area, the Lilywhites hit the target just five times from 22 shots and lacked a ruthlessness that they will need, if they are to challenge for the Champions League places next season.

Three points from their last two matches will bring them their highest ever WSL points tally, and there is lots of positives for Martin Ho to build on next season

United may now feel that qualifying for the Champions League for the second season running is firmly out of their hands, despite climbing back up to third in the league, one point ahead of Arsenal.

However, the Gunners three games in hand gives them a huge advantage. Despite strong investment over the winter transfer window the Red Devils injuries have continued to rack up.

With in-form Brighton and Chelsea still left to face, Marc Skinner’s side will need to play far better if they are to finish the season strongly.

Teams: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-2-3-1): Kop, Morris, A Nildén, Koga, Blaksted, Spence ©, Gaupset, Hamano, Holdt (Summanen 82’), Vindberg, Tandberg (Gunning-Williams 81’)

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce, Riviere, Turner (George 88’), Le Tissier ©, Lundkvist (Sandberg 63’), Naaslund, Miyazawa, Park, Awujo (Malarde 45’), Rolfö (Wangerheim 74’), Schüller (Toone 63’)

Referee: Melissa Burgin

Attendance: 7,310

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Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Chelsea

Above: Mid-game battles heating up as the game comes to a close Photo: chelseafc.com

Chelsea claimed a 2–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in a Women’s Super League London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 8 February, taking a significant step in the race for UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification. The match brought together two sides separated by just one point before kick-off, with both pushing to strengthen their position near the top of the table.

Context and Stakes

Tottenham Hotspur hosted Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 8 February at 2:25pm in a Women’s Super League London derby that carried major significance in the race for UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification.

The two London rivals entered the fixture separated by just one point, with Chelsea third on 27 points and Tottenham Hotspur fifth on 26. With Arsenal and Manchester United also positioned close by, the match represented a key opportunity for both sides to strengthen their claims for a top-two finish, while Spurs were aiming to move into the top three.

Chelsea came into the contest under increased scrutiny following successive league defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City. Those losses marked the first time Chelsea had been beaten in back-to-back WSL matches since July 2015, and another defeat would have equalled a run not seen since the closing stages of the 2013 campaign. Despite a challenging season by their usual standards, the six-time reigning champions remained firmly in contention for Champions League qualification under manager Sonia Bompastor, who had recently extended her contract until 2030.

Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, had continued a strong upward trajectory after finishing 11th last season. Consistent performances had placed them within touching distance of the top three, and victory would have seen Spurs leapfrog Chelsea in the table and further underline their progress.

Chelsea’s historical dominance over the fixture provided an additional narrative. The visitors had won all 13 previous meetings between the sides, including narrow 1-0 victories in their two most recent encounters. With contrasting recent form and significant stakes at play, the London derby was set against a backdrop of both opportunity and pressure for the two clubs.

Team News and Shape

Tottenham Hotspur were expected to showcase the impact of an active January window that brought several new faces into the squad. Spurs strengthened their options with the permanent signings of Signe Gaupset, Hanna Wijk, Matilda Nildén and Julie Blakstad, alongside the loan arrival of Maika Hamano from Chelsea, adding depth and tactical flexibility across midfield and attacking areas.

Chelsea, by contrast, made no new signings during the January transfer window. Sonia Bompastor was therefore expected to rely on her existing squad, with internal adjustments to shape and personnel as Chelsea looked to regain control following recent defeats.

First Half Overview

The opening ten minutes were played at a high tempo, with both sides showing attacking intent while maintaining compact defensive shapes. The midfield battle was immediately physical and competitive, with Keira Walsh and Signe Gaupset influential from the outset. Tottenham Hotspur looked to play direct into attacking areas, testing Chelsea’s back line, while Chelsea showed their own threat through Naomi Girma, who carried the ball forward centrally when space allowed.

Chelsea created the first opening in the fifth minute with a dangerous delivery into the box, though the chance lacked the power required to trouble the goalkeeper, Lize Kopp. Spurs responded a minute later, counter-attacking through Beth England to force Hannah Hampton from her line and win the first corner of the match. In the eighth minute, a curling effort from distance was saved by Hampton, before Girma was penalised for a foul on Amanda Nildén in the ninth minute as Spurs continued to apply pressure.

Tottenham came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute when Spurs’ number 11 produced an athletic run and powerful strike that crashed against the crossbar. The chance originated from Gaupset winning a midfield duel against Millie Bright, underlining Spurs’ growing influence. Chelsea responded in the 14th minute through Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd, whose strong run and first touch were smothered by the Spurs defence, before Spurs countered again in the 15th minute, with England’s effort lacking power and comfortably gathered by Hampton.

Between the 15th and 25th minutes, Spurs enjoyed a sustained period of pressure, exploiting space in wide areas as Chelsea struggled to close passing lanes from midfield. In the 19th minute, Lauren James delivered a dangerous inswinging cross that failed to find a teammate. A minute later, Gaupset drove through midfield, evading challenges from Walsh and Erin Cuthbert, linking play before a recycled corner was headed just over the crossbar by Julie Blakstad.

Chelsea were nearly punished again in the 22nd minute when a loose pass at the back almost released Kaneryd. In the 25th minute, Hampton spilled a collection under pressure, with Girma required to clear the danger. Spurs continued to threaten, and in the 28th minute, Blakstad beat her defender at the byline before delivering for England, whose acrobatic effort flew over the crossbar.

Chelsea struggled to create clear chances during this spell and continued to lose possession in midfield. Spurs went close again in the 33rd minute when Blakstad’s shot from inside the box forced Girma into a sliding block before Ellie Carpenter cleared. James was fouled while driving at the defence in both the 35th and 37th minutes, briefly relieving pressure on the visitors.

Despite Spurs’ dominance in chances, Chelsea took the lead in the 39th minute. From a corner partially cleared to the edge of the area, Walsh struck a powerful effort on target to open the scoring. The goal shifted momentum, with Chelsea managing the remainder of the half more effectively.

James sent an effort from range over the crossbar in the 44th minute, before Eveliina Summanen was penalised for a foul on Sjoeke Nüsken in stoppage time. The half concluded with Spurs threatening once more, as Alyssa Thompson saw a curling effort from wide drift narrowly past the post, bringing an entertaining and physical first half to a close.

Second Half Overview

Chelsea made a half-time change, with Walsh replaced by Lexi Potter, likely as an injury precaution. The adjustment coincided with a clear shift in Chelsea’s approach, as they emerged for the second half playing with greater urgency and directness. Within the opening ten minutes, the change proved effective, with Chelsea shooting more frequently and moving the ball forward at pace.

The visitors controlled the early stages of the half, with James particularly influential. James used her strength and close control to carry the ball through midfield and into attacking areas, consistently beating defenders and creating shooting opportunities. Chelsea’s increased use of space and quicker transitions contrasted sharply with the first half, and their dominance was reflected in sustained pressure.

Chelsea doubled their lead in the 49th minute. A long, accurate pass from Kaneryd released Nüsken, whose powerful effort was emphatically saved by Kopp, only forThompson to show composure and time her finish well from the rebound. The goal visibly altered the momentum, with Tottenham Hotspur appearing deflated as Chelsea took control.

Set pieces became an increasingly prominent feature of the contest. Spurs delivered a free kick into the box in the 57th minute, with appeals for handball against Potter waved away, before Chelsea were denied a similar appeal from a free kick in the 59th minute. Chelsea continued to apply pressure, winning a corner in the 61st minute after Kaneryd used her physicality to drive into the area.

Chelsea went close again in the 68th minute when Girma nearly converted from a scrappy corner, as Spurs’ defensive organisation began to falter. Despite Tottenham introducing substitutes who added individual energy, Chelsea maintained control through sustained possession and disciplined game management.

Potter impressed after coming on, consistently offering passing options and cutting out opposition passes, providing stability in midfield. Tottenham’s substitutes showed moments of impact, with Cathinka Tandberg adding physical presence and pressing intensity, Matilda Nildén driving directly at defenders, and Araya Dennis strong in one-on-one defensive situations.

In the closing stages, Chelsea dominated possession as Spurs struggled to regain momentum. A brief opening arrived in the 73rd minute when Lenna Gunning-Williams broke quickly down the flank and crossed for Tandberg, whose header drifted just wide. Further pressure followed in the 81st minute when Amalie Holdt was played through on goal, only to be caught by Hampton.

A heavy challenge from Tandberg on Bright left the Chelsea defender requiring treatment before being replaced by Chloe Sarvie. Spurs continued to search for a route back into the game, with Gunning-Williams testing Hampton again in the 88th minute, but Chelsea remained composed.

Five minutes of added time followed, beginning with a Chelsea corner. A superb threaded pass nearly released Guro Reiten and Sandy Baltimore, with Baltimore narrowly prevented from breaking through on goal. In the final moments, Kaneryd was played one-on-one with the goalkeeper after a flick-on from Sam Kerr, but took too many touches and the opportunity was lost, as Chelsea closed out a controlled and authoritative second-half performance.

Standout Performances

Ellie Carpenter delivered a high-quality performance on the right, combining pace, timing and awareness to support Chelsea at both ends of the pitch. Her overlapping runs with Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd consistently created space, while her recovery speed ensured defensive stability.

For Tottenham Hotspur, Olivia Holdt showed composure and intelligent movement in attacking areas, while Signe Gaupset impressed with her ball-winning ability and drive from midfield. Lauren James stood out for Chelsea with her individual brilliance, using strength, close control and direct dribbling to repeatedly unsettle the Spurs defence.

Why Chelsea Took the Points

Chelsea were more efficient in decisive moments. They withstood sustained first-half pressure before taking the lead from a set piece, then increased their intensity and directness after the break. Improved game management, defensive organisation and clinical finishing ultimately separated the sides.

Outcome, Decisive Moments, and Implications

Chelsea claimed a 2–0 win that revived their push for Champions League qualification. Goals from Keira Walsh and Alyssa Thompson proved decisive, ending a difficult run of form and maintaining their perfect record against Spurs. Tottenham Hotspur missed the chance to break into the top three but showed enough in the first half to underline their continued progress under their new manager.

Teams: CHELSEA (3-5-2): Hampton, Carpenter, Bright (c), Girma, Buurman, Nusken, Walsh, Cuthbert, James, Thompson, Kaneryd. Substitutes: Potter (for Walsh 45’), Baltimore (for James 63’), Reiten (for Nusken 79’), Kerr (for Thompson 79’), Sarwie (for Bright 83’

Scorer: Walsh 39’, Thompson 49’

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-2-3-1 ): Kop, A.Nildén, Gaupset, England (c), Holdt, Vinberg, Hunt, Wijk, Summanen, Koga, Blakstad. Substitutes: Ahitnen (for Blakstad 65’), Gunning-Williams (for Vinberg 65’), Tandberg (for England 65’), M. Nildén (for Gaupset 71’), Dennis (for Wijk 78’)

Referee: Phoebe Cross

Assistant Referee 1: Nicoleta Bria

Assistant Referee 2: Magdalena Golba

Fourth Official: Joanne Harwood

Above: Martin Ho. Photo: Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Martin Ho has highlighted the midfield battle as crucial and praised Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea ahead of a pivotal clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ho began his conference by providing an update on team news and revealed that there are no major changes from the previous fixture against West Ham.

“The same as it was for the West Ham, apart from, obviously, Drew or myself through suspension, um, but yeah, there’s a lot of good progress from all the other players who are still long term.”

Tottenham will be without key figure Drew Spence for the fixture, and Ho shared his thoughts on her absence in such a high-profile match.

“I think she’s been a standout throughout the season. What she brings to us is in terms of a calmness and an experience with the ball and a really dynamic approach with the ball,” he said, adding that the midfielder “sets the tone and the bar for how we want to defend on the front foot and really wearing a Spurs shirt with pride and compassion and really kind of puts forward how we should approach games.”

The Liverpool-born coach also spoke highly of Chelsea, despite their recent results.

“Yeah, they’re a wonderful team and if anyone thinks that them losing two games turns them into a bad team, then you’re very mistaken. They’re a wonderful team.”

Expanding on his praise, he noted that the Blues “have wonderful players, a wonderful manager and yeah, they played Arsenal and Manchester City — two top teams — and in those games it’s kind of nip and tuck who takes the chances at that level.

And unfortunately Chelsea have been on the back end of that and, um, you expect the response. You know they’re going to be dangerous. And we know what the threats are going to be like — very dynamic players in the front line, very good players in central areas.”

The Tottenham boss singled out the midfield battle as an integral part of the game plan.

“They’ve got some of the most decorated central midfielders in world football. So we need to be aware. We will be, but what that doesn’t do is we have to show no fear in that. We have to apply ourselves correctly and focus on ourselves and what we want to do.”

This will be Ho’s first match as head coach at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he expressed his excitement about managing at the iconic venue.

“Really excited because it’s my first game as a head coach at the stadium and I’ve said that before, I feel it’s the best stadium in world football. It’s authentic, it’s iconic. And when you’re stood there, you feel like when you stood inside.”

He explained that he hopes his players focus on performance rather than the occasion of playing a London derby at such a stadium: ‘You have to remove all the emotion attached to the game and just focus on performance, which is easy for me to say because I’m not one of those players that steps out onto the pitch and plays.

But I’ll do my best to remove that pressure as much as possible and just give them really key focus points on what they’ve delivered so far and what we’ve done so far.”

Ho also emphasised that a London derby often goes beyond football, with bragging rights across the capital at stake.

“I think when you play a London derby, maybe a lot of your form and those sorts of aspects go out the window because it’s more of a, it’s more bragging rights and a battle.

But we just need to focus on what we’ve been doing. I think against the top teams, if you want to call it, we’ve had some good performances and we’ve built on those performances.

We maybe were unfortunate with some of the results, the back ones just before Christmas against United where we drew, but we’ve actually performed better in those games.

It takes time to build the team back to where you want it to be and it takes time to build confidence and momentum in a group. And I’d certainly done that and the players are now relishing the opportunity to play against Chelsea at the stadium.

That will definitely bring an edge to us. It brings excitement, definitely, because you’re playing in front of your home fans at the stadium. And we just want to make sure that the performance backs up what we’ve been doing.”

The London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea kicks off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 8 February at 2:45pm UK time.

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Above: United celebrating last season’s 1-0 win. Photo: Matt McNulty / Getty.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will meet this weekend in the WSL as they fight to keep their places in the top three and top five respectively.

With both sides having won their last WSL fixtures after losses and draws, they are hoping to start a new winning streak in the league.

United are currently in third place in the table, they hold a one point lead on Arsenal and Spurs and trail slightly behind Chelsea who sit in second. In fifth, Spurs have the same number of points as Arsenal with goal difference dragging them down.

The Reds are striving to keep their place in the top three with Spurs aiming to score goals and stay in the top five.

Ahead of their clash this weekend, Impetus heard from both clubs’ managers.

Marc Skinner: United need to be “aggressive”

Coming off the back of a Champions League loss, United’s manager, Mark Skinner, hopes to take “learnings” from playing against this top side into Sunday’s match against Spurs.

Skinner recognises that these lessons from the loss to Lyon “will be immense in the future” and is proud of the way his team moved the ball during key moments in the match.

Taking this pride in positive moments of play with them, Skinner’s side aims to “be really aggressive with and without the ball” when faced with Spurs this weekend.

United know that they must be “alive” with Spurs having been in “good form” this season.

The focus will be on defensive solidity with Skinner emphasising the need to keep a solid backline.

Facing criticism for his squad rotation against Lyon, Skinner was keen to clear the air.

“I see the players day in and day out. I see who’s physically at it, who’s mentally at it,” said Skinner.

He uses these observations to decide who he will choose to play stating that he does not think his “job is to necessarily make the players happy”.

Rather it is to “keep them focused and ready so they can make their impact when they get the opportunity”.

It is this focus and alertness that will allow the Reds to be “aggressive with and without the ball” this weekend.

Against Spurs they will “not be passive in any moment” and remember that as a team they “can hurt anyone”.

Tomorrow’s match will be “a tough task” for United but one that they are “looking forward to”.

Martin Ho’s “full focus” has been on this game

Spurs’ manager, Martin Ho, knows that United are “competing for the title”, that they “have word class players and they’re playing the big stages of the Champions League”. However, he also knows that “with the right attitude” and correct application his team could take away a win.

This league game has the team’s “full focus”, and he will not “rest or rotate players for the sake of it”.

Ho want to win every game and recognises that his job is “to put out the team most competitive to start the game”.

Coming off a big with last weekend against Aston Villa was “huge” for Spurs. In this fixture the side had excellent “attitude and resilience” while being faced with adversity from international break injuries.

One of the squad’s recent injuries was to Jess Naz, a strong and dependable forward. Ho said that her ACL injury is “disappointing and frustrating, especially when she has done one before, but she’s been in good spirits the last few days”.

Even with the injury to Naz, and other long-term injuries to his players, Spurs “can be competitive” – Ho has “full faith in the group” who will “go in with confidence and the belief” that they can win.

If Spurs to get the win tomorrow, they will see their best ever start in the WSL after eleven games.

This is exciting for Ho, but his focus is on development with an emphasis on improving “every week, every session, every game”.

There is a focus on the players and the staff and if that elicits points and is “written in the books” then that is “brilliant” for all involved.

This week, focusing on the players and staff involves keeping a strong mentality and remembering that the team have the capability to beat United.

Aiming to control the game on and off the ball, Ho’s side are feeling prepared for tomorrow’s fixture.

Manchester United v Tottenham kicks off at Leigh Sports Village at 14.30 UK time and can be watched on YouTube.

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by Boh Blythin (8/9/24)

Above: Grace Clinton in action for Tottenham Hotspur last season. Photo: BBC.

Grace Clinton has made an emotional farewell to Tottenham Hotspur after her season-long loan spell, ahead of her return to Manchester United.

The typical idea of a season-long loan is to send a player somewhere they can develop and are more likely to get a higher amount of game-time. However, Clinton exceeded these expectations, becoming a key contributor in the Tottenham Hotspur side.

Many Spurs fans have been left devastated by the loss of England’s up-and-coming superstar. Just before she made her departure from the club, the midfielder was given the supporters’ Player of the Season award.

The energetic youngster developed into a strong midfielder last season, being viewed as one of the most exciting young talents in English football. With the expiration of the loan deal and United recalling the star, Tottenham Hotspur have a big hole left in their squad.

Despite her time at Spurs being brief, the midfielder’s overall performance impacted the club greatly. With standout attributes including the likes of ball control and passing range, she read the game well. Clinton’s ability to make key passes under pressure helped split the opposing defence and create goal-scoring opportunities. Being able to link the defensive and attacking players helped the game transition from defence to offence smoothly.

During her time in North London, the 21-year-old had developed deep chemistry with Bethany England. With her vision and ability to make consistently precise and accurate long attacking balls, she linked well with England’s effective positioning and finishing ability. Their strengths combined created strong chemistry and more attacking chances for the Spurs side. You would often see Clinton provide assists or key passes to create attacking opportunities, which lead to important goals.

On her departure, Spurs have lost a massive amount of creativity in midfield. As an energetic youngster, Clinton was able to offer many opportunities to improve the side’s attacking and defensive play. She displayed this through the likes of her high pressing work rate and defensive support when out of possession.

The midfielder would often drive forward with the ball, creating many goal-scoring opportunities. She was also capable of dropping back and disrupting the opposition’s play by intercepting passes. Losing Clinton may also disrupt chemistry thus affecting the smoothness and effectiveness of the North London side’s tactics.

Upon her return to the Manchester United side, the young star has improved to a greater depth as a midfielder viewed as a more tough and confident individual. She’s well prepared to take on and contribute to the club’s ambitions during the upcoming season thanks to a consistent work ethic and development of her play and self-belief.

Competing in an intense league with high standards and putting her up against such talented opponents more frequently is something she wouldn’t have got as much access to if she stayed with Manchester United. Due to the club’s top talent, there is competition when fighting to be in the starting lineup. As Clinton was only young and lacking in experience in the league, the likes of Ella Toone and Leah Galton were ahead of her in the pecking order.

The WSL brings huge demands and features top-tier talent. Alongside Clinton’s increase in game time and experience on the pitch, she has upped her physicality and intensity to another level. Overall improving her mental and physical toughness including strength and stamina, is essential for a young and energetic player who aspires to become one of the best.

In the upcoming years, Clinton could become a key player in the Manchester United side. The midfielder is more than ready to contribute significantly to the squad.

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