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With Everton Women playing with Goodison Park as their official home for the first time, they were expected to win and ready to enjoy a sunny afternoon. However, Tottenham Hotspur Women seemed determined to spoil the party from the outset. It ended up being one of their best performances in a very long time.
Spurs got on top quickly, dominating the midfield and having Cathinka Tandberg lead from the front. (Yes, more on her in a bit.) In the end, the visitors ended the first half with 11 shots, 3 on target. It was totally different to the side struggling for creativity that had faced West Ham the week before. They thoroughly deserved to take the lead courtesy of a cool finish from Olga Ahtinen.
Now... Tandberg. That goal, lobbing the keeper from 35 yards out, was a standout moment. Her forward presence had already made an impact before that quick bit of thinking, though. Not only did she rough-up defenders, she linked brilliantly with Bethany England, who was able to drop deep and create. It changed the entire dynamic of how Martin Ho's team attacked.
Elsewhere, it was great to see Kit Graham get more minutes, and Lenna Gunnig-Williams was lively when she came on.
Martin Providing Ho-pe For Spurs Women
It's clear Martin Ho is instilling something into this group of players that they did not have before. Tōko Koga's calm and confidence belies her young age. She was once again central to an impressive defensive performance from a changed backline that is still without Molly Bartrip but is yet to concede a goal.
This week there was some creativity too. It wasn't just about England and Tandberg, although that was important. Jess Naz had some runs that troubled defenders. There was neat football in the middle. There needs to be more of a cutting edge so changes are not wasted, but it all smacked of a side getting into a rhythm.
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