Once. That is the amount of times Tottenham Women haven't beaten one of the "Big Four" in the Women's Super League. Spurs vs Chelsea in the WSL was another frustrating day at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the hosts. They lost 0-2 against the reigning champions thanks to goals either side of half-time.
Martin Ho's side wasted a huge number of opportunities, especially in the first half. Olivia Holdt came closet, smashing the bar in the 11th minute with a rocket of a shot. Bethany England was amongst those who squandered chances that really should have been taken. The outcome, in the end, was inevitable. A Chelsea goal, with Kiera Walsh hitting home from a corner. It drained all the confidence Spurs had started the game with. When Alyssa Thompson netted within five minutes of the restart, that really was that.
Chelsea were missing their x-factor. Spurs could, and should, have got on the score sheet. Cathinka Tandberg, on for England, headed over standing almost under the empty net. Later, Holdt was put through one one but blasted the ball at Hannah Hampton. As well as being frustrating for the home fans, these moments again highlighted the Blues' vulnerability.
"We know the reason why we are conceding some situations," said manager Sonia Bompastor. "We knew in the Arsenal game why we were conceding some situations, why we just conceded two goals. Same from the game when we reflected on the game against Man City."
They didn't get away with it in those games. This time, they did.
Bompastor was very complimentary about Spurs and Ho, saying she thought they had progressed over the season. "I really like this club because they are doing a lot for the women's game," she commented. "Just to have the opportunity to play in this nice stadium is already a big proof. I like the coach. We had a really good conversation before the game and he's a really good coach."
Spurs Cannot Get Over the Line
But that brings us back to the key point. Spurs have that sole, somewhat flukey, victory against Arsenal in the WSL. That's it.
Ho said that when it comes to actually getting the job done, there is "maybe a lack of experience of being in these situations because how many times has the club been in those positions? Let's be honest." It's a fair point. But the only way to get that experience is by actually doing it.
Ho also conceded that his side is not ready for the Champions League, and that results like Sunday's prove it. "We've still got work to do," he said. "You can't change a team that's finished 11 to be competing for the Champions League." However, he says that everyone's aim is progress towards the Champions League and believes in the progress and young players that are being developed.
However, there is a long way to go and the subs benches proved it. Spurs were bringing on talented but inexperienced youngsters. Chelsea were bringing on Sandy Baltimore and Sam Kerr.
Tottenham Hotspur have games against Man Utd, Man City and Arsenal still to come this season. Three more opportunities to break this taboo. Doing so still feels a long way off.
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