Tottenham Hotspur needed a late goal from Jessica Naz to beat Championship side Charlton 2-1 in the Women’s League Cup.
It looked like the match was heading for penalties to claim an extra point, but Naz latched onto Drew Spence‘s through-ball late on before firing a powerful effort past Sophie Whitehouse.
Spurs took the lead seven minutes in through Luana Buhler. The Swiss centre-back picked up her first goal for the club with a free header at the back post after latching onto an inswinging free-kick from Matilda Vinberg.
Their lead was cut out at the end of the first half, though, as Katie Bradley latched onto a stunning assist from Ellie Brazil to equalise. Brazil, a former Spurs player, came back to haunt her former side with an impressive performance in the first half.
Spurs struggled to ever showcase the fast-paced and high-intensity pressing they have become famous for. Following on from their struggles against Aston Villa on Sunday, they never kicked into gear, but they were saved by Naz’s goal with four minutes remaining.
Aston Villa beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in the other match in Group E, leaving Spurs level on points at the top of the table.
With the League Cup taking low priority for teams up and down the pyramid, both sides made several changes. Charlton made six changes, with Ellie Brazil starting against her former side, whilst Tottenham rotated heavily with eight switches.
The match at The Valley presented an opportunity for Spurs’ squad players to showcase their credentials to manager Robert Vilahamn. Within seven minutes, they thought they had proven what they wanted to.
From an inswinging free-kick by Vinberg on the right flank, Buhler headed home after being unmarked at the back post. In a world where ‘Vilahamn-Ball’ looks for neat and fluid football, Spurs took the lead through the most simple move around.
Tottenham showcased their superiority during the first half in south London consistently. Their quick passes regularly caught Charlton by surprise, with Vinberg nearly adding to her assist with a missed header at the back post 27 minutes in.
Minutes later, Spurs utilised the space in the final third again; Charlotte Grant produced a stunning through-ball to Anna Csiki, but the Hungarian midfielder was denied by a last-ditch tackle. Goalscorer Buhler also set up Love Everything for a promising volley 36 minutes in, but the Spaniard directed her effort wide of the right post.
However, as Spurs failed to take their chances, they were punished at the other end. Just moments after Gracie Pearse missed a golden chance after taking advantage of a fumble from Katelin Talbert, Charlton equalised.
Former Spurs star Brazil drove down the right flank, outmuscled Buhler and found Bradley in the middle of the box. The 22-year-old made no mistake with a first time finish past Talbert, although the American will feel frustrated she did not save it looking back at the goal.
The goal acted as a pendulum swing in SE7, with the hosts showing their talent in the second half. Charlton consistently showed their composure throughout the match, though. They sit top of the Women’s Championship with four wins from four, conceding just one in the process.
It’s clear to see why they are one of the favourites for promotion, as their confidence when playing out from the back allowed them to match Spurs occasionally.
With the match petering out, Spurs came close to regaining the lead with 25 minutes remaining; Charlotte Grant latched onto Olga Ahtinen’s perfect through-ball, but she guided her low effort wide of the left post.
Saving them from penalties, Spurs took the lead in the 86th minute, using their fresh substitutes to take control of the match. Spence found Naz with space on the left flank, and the Lioness drove into the box and fired a powerful effort past Whitehouse.
Charlton nearly equalised in the dying seconds, as Sophie O’Rourke missed a golden chance during a penalty box scramble. Spurs held on to claim a crucial – but uninspiring – victory.
It wasn’t a game to remember at The Valley. Even picking a Player of the Match was a struggle, even if Charlton impressed against a side from the division above.
However, Molly Bartrip continued her fine start to the campaign with a composed performance at centre-back. Consistently showing her experience, Spurs relied on her whilst under pressure, as other defenders struggled.
