Gaupset shines on debut as Spurs see out the Foxes to push into fourth

Tottenham Hotspur Women moved to fourth in the Barclays Women’s Super League table following their narrow win over Leicester City Women at Brisbane Road on Sunday. 

A harsh own goal from the Foxes settled the outcome, giving the Lilywhites the decisive advantage.

It was a slow start, with both teams trying to find a breakthrough. There were moments of magic, with new signing, Signe Gaupset pushing forward and captain, Bethany England linking up in the final third. 

Leicester responded well, with a string of attacks that tested Tottenham’s defence.

Spurs clicked in the later stages of the first half, creating chances and testing Leicester’s defence. The team held on, weathering the Foxes' late pressure to secure all three points and a push for a UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying place. 

Pre-Match

After flying high before the winter break, this match offered manager Martin Ho an opportunity to experiment, providing more options in midfield and attack.

Fresh from a busy transfer window, Gaupset was included in the starting eleven, while the other newcomers began on the bench: Maika Hamano, Hanna Wijk and Mathilda Nildén. 

Ashleigh Neville, who left the club on Thursday after almost a decade-long spell, faced her old team, while Leicester’s new signing, Sarah Mayling, started in midfield. 

Matilda Vinberg and Olivia Holdt provided a strong forward press for Tottenham, with Gaupset adding pace and creativity up front.

Spurs aimed to continue their strong momentum going into the match, following a draw with Manchester United and a win over Aston Villa, extending their unbeaten home run to seven games. Leicester, however, had mixed results this season. 

A heavy defeat to Manchester City left the Foxes in the bottom half of the table, but a win against London City Lionesses in December lifted them at least to ninth. 

Despite the victory, their struggles away from home continued, with a winless run on the road extending to 22 WSL games.

Neville was also honoured for her services to Tottenham with a ceremony after the match. Her status as the longest-serving player for Tottenham Hotspur Women will be remembered, as she leaves behind a strong legacy in Lilywhite. Players huddled to honour her services and commitment to Spurs with a guard of honour, becoming a touching moment for all present.

First half

Spurs looked the more composed side in possession, controlling the ball and building attacks through short passing sequences, but struggled to find rhythm.  

Gaupset showed signs of promise with several attempts at goal, including an early shot blocked by goalkeeper Olivia Clark, while a strong run down the right from Amanda Nildén earned a free kick. 

Leicester also had moments of threat but struggled to convert chances. Their first opportunity came in the 21st minute and was comfortably saved by Lize Kop, who later made a stronger stop after a collision in the box.

Spurs continued to apply pressure through wide areas and neat link-up play in the final third, but clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Both sides searched for a breakthrough, with Leicester’s best effort flying over the bar and Spurs growing increasingly frustrated.

The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Clark attempted to punch the ball clear, but instead deflected it onto the head of Neville, sending the ball into the net for an unfortunate own goal. This proved the decisive moment of the match. 

Half time: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Leicester City. 

Second half

After the break, Spurs continued on the front foot, dominating possession, creating a series of openings in the final third. Substitute Hamano showed glimpses of attacking intent making her debut on loan from Chelsea, linking well with captain England, whose shot was denied by Leicester’s back line. Gaupset made way for Hamano, but showed 60 minutes of magic, giving an insight into her talent as a young forward.

Leicester looked to respond, pressing forward in search of an equaliser, but Spurs’ defence stayed resolute, denying any clear opportunities.

England came inches away following a perfectly timed run into the box, only saved by Clark’s dragging foot to send it wide. Moments later, centre-back Tõko Koga missed an open goal opportunity, meeting a looping cross from Nildén on the wrong foot.

Despite sustained pressure from both sides, Spurs were unable to find a second goal, and as the clock ticked down, they held firm to secure a 1‑0 victory and push into fourth in the WSL table.

Full‑time: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Leicester City. 

Post- Match

After the match, Ho on spoke on Hamano and Gaupset’s debuts and how he will utilise experimentation with his team:

“Of course, we have new players who’ve just joined and need time to settle and build a physical platform to perform. Some weren’t able to play today due to illness, but Signe got a chance, Maika got a chance, and I’m happy with both of them. 

Signe was very good for where she’s at; she’s just come off a season away, so she needs a bit more time, but we’ve seen flashes of what she can do. I think she’s going to be a superstar.

We focus on all aspects of a player, not just what they can do with the ball, but also off it. Signe is physical and defensively aware when needed, and with the ball, she can use her power and speed to get beyond teams. She’s also creative, and there’s a lot more to come from her. Her potential is huge.”

Goalkeeper, Kop also added praise for her new teammate, Gaupset:

“I think she’s been doing really well in training. She adapted really quickly to how we play as a team, and it has been great to have her here. I’ve learned a lot from her already.”

On building momentum and preparing to face Leicester City again in the FA Cup next weekend:

“We’ve been doing really well since the start of the season, and we want to continue that form even in the FA Cup. 

From today’s game, we can see areas to improve, and we want to take advantage of next week. Leicester will want to counter and make the most of their moments, so we need to communicate a lot with the backline and with the team. That’s how I stay focused, make saves, and stay ready. 

Their defence is really compact, so if we use the outside and move behind them, we can create good chances. Patience on the ball is the most important thing.”

Gaupset was awarded the Barclays Player of the Match on her debut, topping off three points to kickstart her career in North London. Spurs remain hungry and ambitious to continue this positive progress and development into the coming months.

What’s next?

Tottenham will face Leicester again next weekend. The Foxes travel to Brisbane Road for the second consecutive fixture on the 18th of January, but this time in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup (12 PM KO). 

The Lilywhites will play Liverpool away on Sunday 25th January in the next WSL fixture, while Leicester host West Ham United on the same day.