Tottenham Hotspur: Fighting for points after a tough second half to the season | OneFootball

As Tottenham Hotspur are now winless in nine games, they have just one match remaining to end the 2024/25 Women’s Super League season on a high. The tables have turned for Spurs — from a breakthrough season, to narrowly avoiding the relegation zone.

Under Robert Vilahamn last season, Tottenham had their best run of form yet. They reached the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final for the first time and finished sixth in the WSL.

After an exciting summer transfer window for Spurs fans, there were high hopes for the 2024/25 season. On the back of their best league finish, high-quality players were attracted to the club. However, since the new year, there has been a dramatic dip in form, sparking concerns and speculation. But what exactly could be contributing to their serious dip in form?

Tottenham starting XI

It is natural for most teams to stick with a consistent starting 11 week in, week out. Top performing sides, including Arsenal and Manchester United, maintain a regular formation and player selection each week, with only a few exceptions. There seems to be a lack of consistency in Vilahamn’s starting lineup.

Despite the talent and quality in the Tottenham squad, several high-achieving players are often left out of the starting 11. In recent weeks, the usual starting forwards — Martha Thomas and Jessica Naz — have been benched, and the centre-back pairing has changed. Clare Hunt has missed out on a number of games, alongside Swiss international Luana Bühler, as winter signing Josefine Rybrink and Molly Bartrip have taken the central positions.

While competing in training for a spot in the lineup can create a healthy and competitive environment, there seems to be a lack of communication between the management staff and players. To give another example, defender Ashleigh Neville is having one of her best seasons in the WSL for Spurs, yet she has been sidelined in recent weeks. Spurs have a decent squad depth and the ability to bring new players into the lineup, but leaving the usual starters on the bench needs more explanation.

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Converting chances

Another significant factor in Tottenham Hotspur’s lack of points in the WSL this season is the lack of clinical finishers. No Spurs player has scored from open play between the first weekend in October and Leicester away at the end of March, apart from Bethany England. This is a shocking statistic that heightens the tough patch the Lilywhites are facing at the moment. Without the skipper stepping up and converting her chances, Spurs could have been fighting in the relegation battle.

The list of Spurs’ attacking potential is far from short: Thomas, Raso, Naz, Mathilda Vinberg, and Drew Spence, to name a few. So, the lack of goals scored this season makes little sense. Despite the strength in their attack, they have struggled to play the ball into the box and finish their chances. Last season, Thomas had her breakthrough season at Spurs, rewarded as the top goalscorer for the club. She netted ten goals across the board, with seven of these being in the WSL — she hasn’t converted any chances since. A lack of confidence is the most plausible cause of her goal drought.

There is no easy solution to this problem. The lack of goals must be addressed going forward. Ultimately, without scoring, Spurs will not move up the table. Recently, fans called for young players to receive more chances to step up. One of these is homegrown striker Lenna Gunning-Williams. The forward has progressed into the senior squad after a few loan spells in the Championship but is yet to prove her goalscoring ability in the WSL. There is undoubtedly a need to try new things at Hotspur Way to revive Spurs’ winning mentality.

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Tactical execution and substitutions

Tottenham’s tactical game could also be responsible for their decline in success. Over the course of the season, Vilahamn has not strayed from ‘the Tottenham way’. He has a clear vision and aims for consistency in his team’s style of play. Yet there is a demand to switch up these tactics following a serious dip in form.

In particular, the Lilywhites have struggled to successfully work the ball forwards from kick off. Vilahamn has always been a strong believer in playing out from the back. Although this has its benefits, Spurs lack attacking opportunities, resulting in passing the ball back into their own half. Even when his side have conceded several goals in short periods of time, there are no diversions from their usual tactical game. Opposing teams stop their attacking threat far too easily.

Regarding substitutions, Vilahamn usually waits until the latter half hour before making any changes. There is usually a bench full of potential for Spurs. However, it is often too late for the subs to make an impact when they enter the pitch. Whether this has contributed much to the loss of winning mentality is uncertain, but there is no harm in bringing on fresh legs to increase the tempo and cause tactical nightmares for the opposition.

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The final match of the season

Overall, this season has been full of challenges and disappointment for Spurs. Without a win since January, Vilahamn and co will be eager to end the campaign on a high with a victory over Everton. Will they succeed in finishing the season on a positive note, reviving their goalscoring ability and proving worthy of their place in the top flight of English football?

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