Tottenham Hotspur suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday in the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL).
The Halfway Line spoke to Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn at the conclusion of the clash. He described the result as “very frustrating” but said he was “proud of the players.”
Martha Thomas made an early exit from the fixture due to an ankle injury, and the manager said there was not yet any real update on her condition.
‘One of the best’ Spurs meetings with big four says Vilahamn
Comparing his side’s performance to the disappointing one put on at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Arsenal last month, Vilahamn declared “I think that’s one of the best games we’ve done against the top four teams.”
“We showed more character, we played much better,” declared the head coach. Vilahamn’s Spurs had many chances throughout their meeting with Cityzens, and the manager reflected positively on their creativity despite the outcome.
“Obviously set pieces, we’re quite close to creating a few chances there, and you need a few of those goals, especially in the big games against this team,” he said.
The manager continued, “I think we have actually had more attempts than them in this game. And that’s not normal for us against the top teams.
“I need to be proud of them in one way, because Arsenal was not a fun game to watch, and we didn’t perform in a good way and didn’t make our fans proud. But today we fight to compete. I think the fans still see that we actually compete for sports.”
Missed chances ‘are where we are right now’ says Vilahamn
Providing his reaction to the game, Vilahamn explained “We had a few chances where we could have scored when it was 1-1, and then we probably have a different game here. But that’s where we are right now. We need to make sure how we can convert that to scoring goals.
“Man City is a really good team, and they do the substitutions as well. They have some really good players there. So tough, tough to lose this, because I think the players are doing some really good stuff today.”
Spurs captain Bethany England has been left out of Sarina Wiegman’s England squad in recent times, but was a standout for her club this weekend. “I think if she keeps going like this, she will absolutely put the question in for Sarina, and then Sarina needs to make a decision,” said Vilahamn.
“She’s getting better and better and better,” praised the head coach, “I think out of possession, she helps us so much to make sure we steer them to where we want to press them in possession. The goal she do is just brilliant. I think obviously she has a few really good chances as well, but she’s massive for us.”
Sitting seventh in the league standings, Tottenham Hotspur will be back in action on March 16 when they host Brighton and Hove Albion in the WSL.
