Scott Phelan has spoken about how positive Everton Women’s recent run of form has been but feels every game in the WSL is a challenge.
Since the disappointing home loss to Aston Villa in October the Blues have gone unbeaten in four; negotiating two fixtures against big sides Manchester United and Chelsea as well as two wins in the Subway Players Cup.
Speaking in his pre-match presser, Phelan confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns and that Inma Gabarro is progressing well in her recovery,
although there is no set date for the Spaniard’s return.
The head coach is expected to make changes from the side that started Everton’s win over Durham at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, and has been pleased to see how well his side are negotiating the challenges that they have come up against, but is expecting another one on Saturday away at Tottenham Hotspur.
“It has been a positive last three fixtures. We knew this run of fixtures would be challenging, but to see the players performing has been excellent,” he said.
“The WSL is really challenging. Every game is so competitive, Spurs have won plenty of games, but have had their own challenges this season.
“We are happy with how our season has started; the last two league fixtures have been really positive.
“We have been competitive – certainly against Chelsea who are arguably the best team in the league.”
The Opposition
Currently sitting fourth in the WSL, Martin Ho’s team is fast developing a reputation for unpredictability and entertainment, with only the league’s top two scoring more than Spurs.
The defence does caveat that stat, however, which is currently shipping an average of two a game in the WSL, which probably means that the hosts will look to outscore their Merseyside guests if they are to get the win.
At the head of the scoring is Netherlands midfielder Victoria Pelova, who has an impressive six goals in eight games and Danish forward Olivia Holdt, who also has a half a dozen strikes this season, including the winner against Brighton & Hove Albion in Spurs’ last league game.
Signe Gaupset will also be one to watch for Everton, the 21-year-old midfielder currently has four goals to her name and is a firm favourite in North London since arriving SK Brann in January of this year.
Previous Meetings
Last season was one for the away team in this fixture, with the Blues avenging a loss at Goodison with a 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium; Kelly Gago’s late winner cancelling out Gaupset’s equaliser after Yuka Momiki had given the Toffees the lead on 13 minutes.
History is positive in this one for Everton, who have lost only two away at Tottenham in the last seven, and also recorded their biggest away win of the 2022/23 season with goals from Katja Snoeijs, Jess Park and Gio Queiroz capping off an impressive 3-0 win on a cold December evening.
Everton Women take on Tottenham Hotspur at BetWright Stadium on Saturday, 14 December, at 3pm GMT (10am ET, 7am PT).
