Spurs secure cup victory after clinical penalty shootout

Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa Women were held to a goalless draw at Brisbane Road in the group stage of the Subway Women’s League Cup, with Spurs winning 7-6 on penalties.

Tottenham held their nerve in the shootout to claim two points in the table and move one step closer to progression from the group. 

The contest was evenly balanced, with both sides creating openings but failing to convert, leaving the drama to be settled from the spot.

Ahead of kick off

Tottenham midfielder Evelina Summanen struck a forty-yard stunner last season in the League Cup, helping the Lilywhites to edge out their opponents in the group stage.  

A moment of magic was needed at Brisbane Road to separate the sides, with Summanen producing the best strikes of the campaign. 

The team were unbeaten in their last seven League Cup games in the group stage, with a total of sixty-one goals scored in twenty-one games. Spurs reached the quarter-final stage after beating Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace.  

Aston Villa were looking to progress in the Cup after reaching the group stage last season, when they were docked three points for fielding an ineligible player. 

Despite this, Villa still qualified as one of the best-placed runners-up for the quarterfinals.

Tottenham were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2023/24 Subway Women's League Cup.

First half

Starting in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Spurs began brightly, creating a series of early chances, including one that rattled the crossbar inside the opening minute. 

Their dominance in possession (59% in the first half) saw them probe regularly, with Tottenham defender, Amanda Nildèn standing out for her movement and creativity. 

Spurs went close again at eleven minutes, weaving through the Villa defence. Another effort drew a fingertip save from goalkeeper, Ellie Roebuck around the half-hour mark.

Aston Villa, lining up in a 3-4-1-2, gradually grew into the game. Forward, Rachel Daly tested the defence with a wide effort, and Villa almost forced an own goal during a spell of pressure. 

Missed chances followed for midfielder, Missy Bo Kearns and Daly again in stoppage time, but the visitors couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Despite Spurs’ stronger start and several close efforts from both sides, neither team could convert, leaving the match goalless at the interval.

Second half 

Spurs started the second half on the front foot, coming close when a shot hit the side netting on fifty minutes. 

Villa responded quickly, firing wide from close range, before both sides exchanged missed opportunities — including an open goal that Spurs failed to convert five minutes later.

The game grew scrappy as Spurs lost rhythm in possession, while Villa began to see more of the ball but couldn’t find a way past a resilient back line and an assured goalkeeper. Chances continued to come and go. Nildèn remained a constant threat with efforts sixty-four and ninety minutes, while Villa sent efforts over the bar and wide from distance.

The contest shifted in the eighty-third minute when Aston Villa’s, Noëlle Maritz was sent off for a foul, leaving the visitors to finish with ten players. This unexpected red card caused upset for Villa, who were edging as the team more likely to find a late winner.

Spurs pressed late on, forcing saves and striking the woodwork again deep into stoppage time, but the deadlock remained.

Penalty shootout

As per the Women’s League Cup group stage rules, matches level after ninety minutes go straight to a penalty shoot-out, with no extra time. 

Both teams converted confidently under pressure until Spurs edged it 7-6, holding their nerve to claim the bonus point and strengthen their position in the group. 

Goalkeeper, Lize Kop impressed by saving several penalties, but also stepping up and smashing out into the back of the net.

Post match

Reflecting on the game against Aston Villa, Spurs head coach Martin Ho said:

"I think there were moments, especially when we went into attacking positions, where Villa defended the box very well.”

However, he also recognised the areas for improvement that he will address in coming weeks:

There are definitely areas we can improve on — dealing with pressure and creating more in the attacking third. Perhaps we lacked a bit of edge and missed a few opportunities, but overall, it’s something we’ll build on."

Looking ahead

Tottenham top Group E in the group stage of the competition and play next against Barclays WSL 2 side, Birmingham City, while Aston Villa face Bristol City at Ashton Gate. 

Both will strive to progress beyond the group stages, with the odds on their side as WSL teams. However, it is all to play for in the Cup.