FEATURED: Three memorable games in Spurs boss Vilahamn’s first year | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur were one of the most eye-catching performers in the 2023/2024 Barclays Women’s Super League with new head coach Robert Vilahamn making a real impact in his first year in North London.

The 41-year-old Swede joined The Lilywhites following a spell coaching BK Häcken. Vilahamn has brought an exciting brand of attacking football to Spurs whilst also developing the team’s defensive structure. Vilahamn has been a breath of fresh air for the league with his philosophy and footballing beliefs capturing the imagination of staff, players, fans and the media.

Today sees Vilahamn celebrate his one-year anniversary as Spurs boss. To mark the occasion, WSL Full-Time have reviewed Spurs’ performances in the 2023/2024 season and we have identified three memorable games from Vilahamn’s first year in charge.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Arsenal 0

The first half of the season saw Spurs thrill with their potent attacking qualities, however, The Lilywhites were conceding goals in equal measure. Spurs’ final game before the winter break saw them play host to Arsenal in a North London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs had never beaten their neighbours in the Barclays Women’s Super League and hopes weren’t particularly high going into this game given their defensive frailties, however, the occasion was arguably a turning point in Vilahamn’s side becoming an all-round team.

Arsenal threw everything at Spurs over the course of the 90 minutes and The Gunners registered 31 attempts on goal. Spurs were yet to record a clean sheet under Vilahamn but this time, they were resolute and held out while goalkeeper Barbora Votíková had a sensational match. At the other end of the pitch, forward Martha Thomas was able to convert one of Spurs’ rare opportunities in the second half and North London was white for the very first time in Barclays Women’s Super League history.

This was an impressive victory for Spurs and a turning point in the development of the team.

Aston Villa 2 Tottenham Hotspur 4

After starting the Vilahamn era with three wins in four games in all competitions in which 13 goals were scored, Spurs travelled to Walsall for a tricky fixture against Aston Villa. Spurs had really caught the eye in the opening games but the trip to Aston Villa would give an indication of whether The Lilywhites really were the real deal.

Spurs got off to a bad start with Rachel Daly netting an early penalty for Aston Villa, however, The Lilywhites’ all-out attacking mentality produced goals for Martha Thomas and Ashleigh Neville, sending them into the break 2-1 up. Thomas added two further goals in the second half to complete her hat-trick before Lucy Parker pulled one back for the hosts deep in second half stoppage time.

This was a wonderful 4-2 win for Spurs which increased the hope and excitement for what the team could achieve under new boss Vilahamn in the long-term.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester City 1 (Spurs won 4-3 on pens)

One thing that Spurs boss Vilahamn demanded from his side throughout the 2023/2024 campaign was continual improvement; he spoke about ‘taking steps’ ahead of very game.

After losing 7-0, 2-0 and then 1-0 to Manchester City in two Barclays Women’s Super League fixtures followed by an FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup tie, Vilahamn had his eyes set on another progressive result in the two clubs’ meeting in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals. The North Londoners faced an uphill task in Leyton when Mary Fowler gave Manchester City an early lead. Spurs faced plenty of Manchester City pressure but they remained in the game and levelled matters in the 96th minute through Beth England to force extra-time. No further goals were scored in the additional 30 minutes and Spurs went on to qualify for the semi-finals by winning the penalty shootout 4-3.

It was another major statement from The Lilywhites. They had seen-off arguably the best footballing side in England in Manchester City whilst giving themselves a shot at a first Adobe Women’s FA Cup semi-final in the process. It was another moment where Spurs showed that they aren’t just a thrilling attacking team, they can defend and be dogged too.

Vilahamn’s first season in charge of Spurs ended with a sixth-place finish in the Barclays Women’s Super League table and a first-ever Adobe Women’s FA Cup final appearance. The 2024/2025 season promises to be another fascinating year for the club.