Everton edge win away in Tottenham to continue victorious run

Everton moved up to sixth place in the table after a shock 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL). Yuka Momiki opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half, while Spurs levelled through Signe Gaupset in the second half.

The Lilywhites looked to go ahead late on, but a last-minute goal from Kelly Gago ensured the Toffees took home all three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They continue their positive run of wins under new head coach, Scott Phelan.

Pre-match analysis

Spurs were looking to improve on their recent form, being in fifth place in the WSL ahead of kick off, after mixed results against Chelsea and Aston Villa before the international break.  

Everton attempted to continue their winning streak after recording their third consecutive victory against West Ham United in the league but struggled to convert chances. 

Interim boss, Phelan experimented with the team’s formation for the first time in four matches, but the absence of players participating in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup proved no different for the team. Whilst Martin Ho’s Spurs heavily missed centre-back duo of Clare Hunt and Tõko Koga, who continue to progress through the Asian Cup.

There was a minute’s silence before kick-off to commemorate the deaths of Oxford United youngster, Amelia Asplin and former England player, Amy Carr; this was also respected across all WSL games that weekend, including the Subway Women’s League Cup final.

Focusing on defence, Spurs lined up in a 4-4-2, similar to how the team faced Villa in their last match, with Josefine Rybrink and Molly Bartrip constituting a new look to the backline, and Matilda Vinberg and Cathinka Tandberg leading from the front. A rare start of the season for Lenna Gunning-Williams following a impressive performances for England U23s during the break.

Everton also used the 4-4-2 formation from their previous match, with Hannah Blundell, Ruby Mace, and Maz Pacheco anchoring the defence to provide stability. Courtney Brosnan with the armband between the sticks.

First half

Pacheco and Toni Payne led from the front with some early close chances in the first half, but nothing came of them. Spurs also pushed forward, but Everton’s defence kept them at bay.

Everton had several early opportunities, with Payne looking to score, and were dangerous on the rebound. Spurs tried to respond, but Everton repeatedly blocked or caught their efforts, Mace proving key In the Toffees’ defensive success.

With both teams eager to make their mark, Everton broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Momiki struck from long range to give the visitors the lead.

Spurs responded with long balls and strikes, but Everton’s defence remained strong, clearing shots and forcing the ball wide.

Tandberg made strong runs but was crowded out. Spurs struggled to convert their chances despite several opportunities. Hanna Wijk also showed her strength, creating a few chances for the hosts, but was held off.

Everton tried to double their lead, but a save from Lize Kop kept Spurs in the game. Despite the pressure, Spurs could not find the equaliser.

Halftime:Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Everton

Second half

Spurs kept pushing for an equaliser in the second half but struggled to finish chances. A triple substitution for Spurs aimed to inject fresh energy, but promising runs were wasted as chances went over.

Spurs continued to fight back but were losing steam. A header gave them their closest chance of the half, and shortly after, they finally equalised in the 76th minute, when Gaupset scored with a long-range shot.

Both teams made substitutions, and Spurs remained determined to take the lead. Everton attempted to respond, but Spurs held firm. Everton also had a great chance late in the half, but it was cleared out wide.

In the 82nd minute, the Toffees regained the lead. Gago scored from close range, making it 2-1. Everton nearly extended their lead again, but a wide effort kept Spurs in the game.

Drew Spence also made a couple of good runs since joining the effort in the second half, but could not convert. Everton had another chance as Gago ran through the Tottenham defence, but Spurs denied it.

Full-time: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Everton  

Post match with Martin Ho

Speaking about Everton putting up a strong defensive performance, and the team’s mentality going into the next game against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur head coach, Ho said:

“Yeah, we’re in a good place to come back. Obviously, we lost a lot of players, which every team faces, but we applied ourselves really well and had a good training week.

Physically, we went in ready, but we didn’t push hard enough and weren’t aggressive enough, especially when defending off the ball. We just didn’t connect as a team.

In the second half, we had some moments and pushed them back into areas, but we lacked that cutting edge in the final ball. There were too many players in the box at times, and we couldn’t pick out the right options across the pitch.” 

On Spurs’ strong chances and performance during the game:

“Yeah, I think a performance is a performance. It wasn’t good enough. I’m not going to stand here and tell you it was, because we did have spells in the first half, and parts of the second half with the ball or defending were okay.  But our aggressiveness in 1v1 situations, which is usually close, just wasn’t there.

If we don’t do that, and if we don’t win the last three games, we’re going to be bringing in a very long weekend ahead.”

On the absence of players due to the Women’s Asian Cup, squad adjustments, and injuries, and how to unlock key areas, Martin Ho said:

“It changes for everybody. We have solutions in the team, and we have players we feel can adapt to different positions.

For the large part of today, in those moments when the ball turned over, we got comfortable in possession, but when we lost it, those players were very dangerous on the counterattack.

They showed that on their second goal, especially. We turned the ball over in their half, and they moved quickly into space, passing effectively and creating chances. We didn’t get back in time to cover crosses or pressure the ball.

Moving forward, we need to improve in these areas. It all comes down to how we manage possession and make better decisions under pressure.”

Post match with Scott Phelan

Talking about his team’s performance, Everton manager Scott Phelan said:

“The difference was the quality in the first half. We played quite well and really clicked together in the second half.

We needed to be a bit more physical in our effort for the last 20–30 minutes. Spurs had some control around our goal, but we showed technical quality and the ability to respond.

It probably shows character from the group, and the goal itself was a really good one. That combination of quality and teamwork made the difference.”

On what was the key or breakthrough in the match for the team:

“The whole collective contributed today. Everybody played a part, from the starters to the substitutes who came on.

The starters made a big effort, and we were asking the subs to carry on at a similar level. They were able to do that, which ultimately gave us a positive day.”

On applying lessons from this match to the next fixture against Manchester United, Phelan said:

“To take confidence from this, it’s a tough one next week against Manchester United away.

It’s a quick turnaround, so we need to be energised, regroup, reflect on today, and look forward. We also need to plan for what Manchester United are going to bring.”

What’s next?

Tottenham Hotspur will face Manchester City away in the WSL next Saturday (12:00 KO) while Everton also travel to Manchester to play Manchester United at the same time.

The Toffees hope to continue their statement performances under Phelan, while Ho seeks solutions in defence with the Asian Cup absentees still competing in Australia.