Spurs’ winning start to new WSL season comes to a stop as they are hammered by Man City | OneFootball

Tottenham’s electric start to the Women’s Super League season came to an end as they were well beaten 5-1 by Manchester City at Brisbane Road.

Goals from Aoba Fujino, Vivianne Miedema, Kerstin Casparij, Grace Clinton and Laura Coombs dealt Spurs their first defeat of the season despite Khadija Shaw’s second-half missed penalty and Olivia Holdt’s consolation goal late on.

After finishing 11th in the WSL last season, Martin Ho’s side had won both their opening two matches against West Ham and Everton without conceding a goal, but City’s quality proved to be too much for the new-look Spurs.

Despite their early pressure, Manchester City were dealt a huge blow 21 minutes in as Lionesses star Lauren Hemp was forced off with an injury after a collision with Jessica Naz; however, just two minutes later, Fujino would put City ahead.

After playing a one-two with Shaw the Japanese international received the ball in the ‘D’ and hit a beautiful strike into the far corner. Lize Kop got a hand to it in the Spurs goal but it was not enough to stop the strike from hitting the back of the net.

Tottenham struggled to get out of their half with wave after wave of attack from City. Shaw and Grace Prior both went close shortly after the goal as they looked to extend their lead.

Eventually City would make their chances count with two quick fire goals just before the break. Former Arsenal star Vivianne Miedema put away the first as she headed in Alex Greenwood’s corner at the near post in the 39th minute. Tandberg did her best to try and clear but referee Stacey Fullicks adjudged the ball to have gone over the line.

And just three minutes later it was three for City. Some good work from Miedema against her former rivals on the wing allowed her to find Kerolin Nicoli in space. The Brazilian’s curling effort was saved by Kop but Kerstin Casparij was there to head in the rebound and put her side out of sight.

It did not take long for Spurs to get into trouble in the second half as Clare Hunt took out Fujino in the area leading to a penalty for Manchester City. However, Shaw could not convert the spot kick with a magnificent save from Kop to her left-hand side.

However, City would get their fourth goal 14 minutes from time. This time the goal came through former Tottenham player Clinton on her debut for the club after joining from Manchester United in the summer. Nicoli’s cross low across the box was met by the England international who swept home.

Spurs would get one back late on as Holdt smashed in from the edge of the area but it was not enough to get the better of City who added a fifth in the 95th minute from Coombs.

Ho’s side have improved this season but this was a harsh reality check of how far they still have to go.