Spurs hold United to goalless draw at N17 as defenders shine
Tottenham Hotspur hosted Manchester United on Sunday afternoon in a mid-table, Barclays Women’s Super League clash, with United looking to close in on the final UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification spot.
The game was tightly contested, with Tottenham enjoying large spells of dominance. However, it ended in a 0-0 draw: a result that did little to benefit either side.
Starting XIs:
Tottenham Hotspur: Kop (GK), Morris, Nildén, Gaupset, Holdt, Vinberg, Tandberg, Hamano, Spence ©, Koga, Blakstad
Manchester United: Tullis-Joyce (GK), Le Tissier ©, Lundkvist, Park, Rölfo, Awujo, Rivière, Naalsund, Miyazawa, Turner, Schüller
Regarding Spurs’ team news, a first start this year for bright spark, Ella Morris following a period on the sidelines with her ACL injury. Whilst United used Ella Toone, Anna Sandberg and Ellen Wangerheim as second-half substitutes, also marking their return from injuries.
First half:
Manchester United kicked the game off with a promising spell of possession, regaining the ball almost instantly after losing it. After a dominant few minutes from United, Tottenham grew into the game.
The opening ten minutes saw a shot from Julie Blakstad skim the crossbar, shortly followed by another promising attack led by a through ball by Maika Hamano. The pass found Signe Gaupset but her shot was blocked, leading to a spell of sustained United possession.
Continuing their dominance, Tottenham had a shot skim the post, forcing a fingertip save from Phallon Tullis-Joyce and winning a corner. A great cross from the corner unfortunately ended in a header over the bar for Tottenham, but they were looking more and more like the strong team despite United’s higher league position.
United responded almost instantly with an over the top through ball to Jayde Rivière, but it was cleared for a throw in. The next ten minutes saw another spell of dominance for the North London team, with corners and shots coming in quick succession. Fortunately for the Red Devils, no shots were converted, but the pressure from Spurs continued to build.
As the half progressed, Tottenham continued their dominance with the half ending with another narrowly missed effort from Spurs.
Half-time: Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Manchester United
Second half:
Manchester United came out like a new team following a half time talk from head coach Skinner, with Melvine Malard leading the attacks. She hit a shot that was saved by Lize Kop, followed by another that she headed wide.
United held all of the pressure, with crosses being driven high and low, but they struggled to create a clear-cut opportunity, allowing Spurs to regain possession.
An attacking break from Hamano led the Spurs attack, with a low shot drilled in forcing perfect reaction times from United goalkeeper, Tullis-Joyce. Halfway through the second half and the Tottenham fans thought they had a penalty as one of their players was challenged just outside the box, resulting in a free kick from a promising position. A low cross fortunately for United just trickled passed the post, followed by a powerful effort towards the top left corner that again tested Tullis-Joyce.
Tottenham continued to apply relentless pressure, with another shot fired in, but the deadlock was still unable to be broken. A dangerous corner flashed across the face of goal, but no Tottenham player was there to provide the final touch. Another close chance from Spurs followed in the last half an hour as a shot skimmed over the crossbar before a switch in play as United enjoyed a spell of pressure.
A long-distance effort from United was spilled by Spurs’ goalkeeper, Kop, but they recovered quickly to clear the danger. Another threat from United came in the 80th minute through a counterattack, with a through ball to Toone, but Spurs defended well to shut down the attack.
Into stoppage time and a big moment for Spurs as they called for a penalty following what looked to be a foul in the box, but the referee waved it away to play on. The game ended with a late chance from United following a promising run, but the shot was straight at Kop and saved, leaving the game in a goalless draw.
Full-time: Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Manchester United
What’s next?
In the WSL, Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion at home on Saturday 2nd May (12:00 KO), where they look to continue their challenge for a Champions League place; this is however down to Chelsea’s performances in their final two fixtures.
Spurs host in-form London City Lionesses at Brisbane Road, for their final home fixture of the season on Sunday 3rdMay (12:00 KO). Martin Ho’s squad aim to finish their home campaign on a high with a strong three points.