Development under Vilahamn: Spurs Women WSL 23/24 summary

A look into a noticeably more positive Women’s Super League season for Tottenham Hotspur Women. Under new leadership, the side has re-written their history books and developed their mentality.

Robert Vilahamn was appointed head coach of Tottenham Hotspur Women in the summer, following the dismissal of Rehanne Skinner, after a disappointing campaign last year forced the Lilywhites into a tight relegation battle. Finishing 9th, a 9-game loss streak pushed them down the table in what was a season of struggle; a disjointed team which had issues performing in front of goal (to which the arrival of Bethany England began to answer into the back end of the season!) and defensively slacking, struggling to hold a lead.

The 2023/24 season however, was one of a different story, with the club finishing comfortably 6th in the league, with 13 points more than last season. There were several memorable moments for Spurs fans to enjoy and additions of important and lovable players, strengthening the side. Most importantly Vilahamn has installed a sense of belief into his side, coupled with his attacking style of football. His philosophy ties into the club’s ‘to dare is to do’, doing exactly that creating moments of history. Upon signing with the team, his ambitions were to “entertain, develop and win”, and he has made it clear that this season was just the start.

Standout moments

A lot of history was written this season for the North London side, encouraging the wider Spurs fanbase to get behind the women’s side. Most significantly a victorious derby day, where Tottenham beat their North London rivals Arsenal for the very first time, in front of 19,000+ at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December. A tightly contested game, began with Arsenal on the front foot however Spurs were quick to answer them defensively, matching their challenge and disrupting their familiar attacking flow preventing a shot on target until the 43rd minute of play. A tight second half was where Spurs capitalised as a brilliantly worked team goal gave the Lilywhites the lead. Votikova initiated the flow of play from a goal kick, where Martha Thomas found Bizet to her right who sent the ball into the near post, where Thomas was there to slide home. They maintained strength defensively for the remainder of the fixture, seeing this moment established into their history books.

Into the latter part of the season, more history was created as Spurs reached Wembley for the first time, as they reached the FA Cup final. In the quarter-finals they held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw with England taking the game through extra-time, calling for a penalty shootout where Spencer saved 2 of City’s spot-kicks and James-Turner scored the winning penalty, 4-3; this itself was a moment for the books, with the side never making it past this stage of the competition. Being drawn with Leicester in the semi-finals, avoiding last year’s finalists, they returned to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in what became a dramatic match-up as this game also turned to extra-time. Naz equalised Leicester’s early lead in 84th minute, with Martha Thomas winning it for the side at 118 minutes. A day to celebrate. The final itself was a disappointing result, Spurs unable to withstand United’s confident and assertive set-up, continuous press and technical excellence, however the team can be proud of the journey and the development made.

Lowlights

Although this season highlighted development and progess within the team, in their moments of creating history, building mentality and developing a style of play, finishing 6th place means that there is still a long way to go for what Vilahamn wants to achieve. With this comes disappointing moments throughout the season.

Despite fewer harsh results, especially against top sides, there were still a few, coming against the sides from Manchester. Losing 4-0 twice to Manchester United, once where it really mattered at Wembley, shows there is still a way to go, considering both sides were promoted to the top flight in the same year, 2019. A 7-0 battering by a ruthless Manchester City in November was one of Spurs’ poorest moments of the season, failing to come together as a team with any sort of flow and clearly slacking defensively.

On the same note, the side dropped too many points too easily at several points of the season. There were too many results which ended up a draw, where Tottenham dominated and should have taken 3 points, however down to not being clincal enough in front of goal, and still struggling defensively and conceding late goals, this was not the case. Conceding late in both fixtures against Liverpool, meant they only came away with a draw, similarly with Everton too. United were able to snatch a 2-2 draw in the closing points of the game and a late winner when hosting Villa saw the Lilywhites drop points in narrow games. Although they finished with an additional 13 points over last year, to compete with the top sides in the league, it is vital to capitalise on the opportunity to get 3 points at any stage.

It is important to note however, that it is Vilahamn’s first season as boss of the North London side, so the summer transfer window provides an opportunity to strengthen these areas and continue to build his team, which undoubtedly he will capitalise on.

New additions and standout players

On players to highlight in Spurs’ 2023/24 season, Martha Thomas is a name which instantly comes to mind, as she began the campaign off brilliantly, filling in the shoes of last season’s ever important Bethany England who was absent for the first half of the season with a hip injury. Accumulating 7 goals throughout her campaign, the majority of which came in the first half of the season, she was incredibly important to the team. She also scored when it mattered - the winner in a North London derby and in the FA Cup semi-finals, the goal which sent them to Wembley.

Grace Clinton arrived on loan from Manchester United in the summer and made her name known. The striking young talent has played a pivotal part of Spurs’ season providing an attacking threat within the heart of their midfield; with goal contributions, flare and consistency, her performances at the club earned her an England call-up. Winning the club’s own player of the season award, there is rumour that she may remain a Lilywhite, with a permanent transfer over the summer.

Other new names which stood out involve Olga Ahtinen, who’s leadership on the pitch, exceptional presence in midfield and passing ability saw her form a key part of Spurs’ starting XI at the beginning of the season, however picking up an MCL injury, her season was cut short, however exciting things to come from the Finnish international. Charli Grant arrived over the winter window, her pace and attacking minded play as a defender fits her right in with Vilahamn’s style. Matilda Vinberg is another to note, a dynamic player who challenges going forward, provides as a varied option for the front line.

Eveliina Summanen remained one of the most consistent players, sitting in the heart of midfield, Vilahamn has spoke about her importance to the team in the past, and her presence was missed as she had a period out for an injury. With Neville additionally maintaining consistent and hardworking in the back, she is one of the longest serving players in this Spurs side and has seen them through all stages of development. Jess Naz has become an important name throughout the season, having important goal contributions coming off of the bench.

Hopeful for a positive summer window, Vilahamn can continue to build his squad, strengthen his style of play and mentality over the break and begin the 2024/25 season in good stead, continuing to improve and challenge the top sides within the league.