Off the back of a lacklustre 2022/23 season, Tottenham’s new manager bounce has reinvented the Lilywhites, starting the new campaign completely reinvigorated.
Spurs have managed to excise some of their longest standing demons by defeating Arsenal for the first time in the WSL. Nevertheless, their struggles in preserving leads against teams in close proximity in the table highlight areas where improvement is still needed.
In only ten games of 2023/24, Spurs are just three points shy of matching their tally for the whole of 2022/23, which was a disaster after previously finishing fifth in 2021/22.
Robert Vilahamn has brought about a transformative impact on the team. The addition of Martha Thomas, Grace Clinton, and Barbora Votikova in the summer has revitalised a squad that was already promising but somewhat disjointed. The further January acquisitions of young talents Matilda Vinberg and Charli Grant further emphasise Tottenham’s status as an exciting prospect this season.
Last season is one that Spurs fans would prefer to erase from memory swiftly. Enduring a dismal run of form, they faced a series of nine defeats, leading to the departure of manager Rehanne Skinner, who has since assumed a new role with West Ham United.
Despite a resounding 8-0 victory over Brighton in November 2022, a next league triumph failed to come until March 2023. This extended gap between wins marked a challenging period for the team, characterised by a string of dire performances that fell short of showcasing the true potential of the squad. The intermittent struggles raised questions about consistency and resilience, prompting a reevaluation of the team’s dynamics and strategies.
Having earned promotion to the WSL in 2019, Tottenham hav faced challenges in clinching any silverware and finding consistent form against higher-ranked clubs, likely due to financial disparities. However, last January, recognising the need for a turnaround, shattered the then WSL transfer record by securing the signature of prolific striker Bethany England from Chelsea for £250,000.
England scored 12 goals in 13 games across all competitions. Her contribution played a crucial role in guiding Spurs clear of relegation and securing their safety within the WSL.
The highlight of Spurs’ 2023/24 season so far has been their statement and historic victory over Arsenal, marking the first time they’ve achieved such a result.
The closest Tottenham had previously come to defeating their local rivals in the league was a 1-1 draw in 2021. The Gunners had dominated the contest over the previous seven WSL meetings, but in the second north London derby of the 2023/24 campaign – a Conti Cup meeting preceded the league encounter by a matter of days – Tottenham finally claimed the bragging rights.
Martha Thomas secured the victory with her 58th-minute goal as Spurs against an Arsenal side who had dished out Chelsea’s biggest WSL defeat in years just a week prior. The disappointing Gunners could not overshadow the impressive Spurs performance, especially goalkeeper Barbora Votikova. Making her debut for the club, she faced 33 shots and made eight crucial saves.
In contrast to 2022/23, Tottenham’s setbacks this season appear less impactful. Despite the team’s ability to score goals, their struggle to maintain leads, relinquishing early advantages, and difficulty in securing late goals to seal victories have somewhat diminished their otherwise emphatic start.
In facing Leicester, Liverpool, and Everton, Spurs, despite having numerous potential goalscorers, drew each match 1-1. These were crucial fixtures where Vilahamn’s team had the capability to secure vital victories, potentially pushing them into the top four by the winter break.
If Tottenham can modify their strategy to increase goal production and widen leads, the team stands a good chance of securing a strong position by the season’s conclusion. Dropping points against Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City, makes it vital to collect them against teams around them in the table to stay ahead of the rest.
Martha Thomas has showcased exceptional form since joining Tottenham from Manchester United. Having signed with the Red Devils in 2021, she had limited starting opportunities during her two seasons with the club. United struggled to utilise her goalscoring abilities and a perceived lack of trust led the Scotland international to eagerly seek a move during the summer.
Opting for Tottenham, Thomas has participated in every game so far scoring seven times and already surpassing the six WSL goals she scored for United in nearly four times as many appearances.
Filling the void left by Bethany England, who was sidelined due to hip surgery, Thomas has been outstanding and has underlined the significance of a manager’s trust and confidence in players. While the partnership between England and Thomas has been glimpsed only briefly, the potential they possess to trouble all WSL defences later this season is an exciting prospect for fans.
While it may spark controversy to designate the manager as the best signing, there is no denying the positive influence that Tottenham’s new manager, Robert Vilahamn, has had on the team.
The Swede successfully drew numerous acquisitions to the club during the summer transfer window, enhancing the already burgeoning talent within the squad.
His impact extends beyond introducing new players, as he has emerged as a transformative figure, reshaping the dynamics and trajectory of the retained squad too. Strategic plans, motivational prowess, and adept management style have proven instrumental in steering Tottenham towards resurgence, making him a figure of paramount significance in the club’s recent endeavours.
Vilahamn’s impressive tenure with BK Hacken and his experience in managing in the Champions League positioned him as a smart choice, aligning seamlessly with their new management system.
Celine Bizet’s goal against Liverpool was a masterpiece. Recovering the ball in her own half, the Norwegian surged down the pitch, skillfully taking aim and delivering a precise finish. It was also a clever move from Thomas to draw defenders away from the 22-year-old.
Although the match concluded in a frustrating 1-1 draw, Bizet’s exhibited skill, determination, and dominance were deserving of considerable acclaim.
Although breaking up the established top four may be out of reach for Spurs side this season, Vilahamn’s initial target upon taking charge was to secure a more favourable position than their alarming ninth-place finish in the previous campaign.
Tottenham could be credited with having the best transfer windows in the WSL, considering the top-tier, emerging talent Vilahamn has successfully brought to his team.
Achieving success, however, hinges on the ability to secure victories and preserve crucial points, especially against lower-table sides. The triumph over Arsenal provided a boost, narrowing the gap between Tottenham and fifth place Liverpool to just three points. Nonetheless, to secure a spot in the top five, the Lilywhites must consistently produce and avoid any lapses in form.
Considering their promising start and current sixth-place standing, Tottenham appear poised to attain their desired finish and complete their remarkable rebound story.
Prediction: 5th
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