Tottenham may have helped Manchester City’s Premier League title bid – but their work is not over yet.
They still have a huge part to play in possibly securing another trophy for the Citizens.
While it was Arsenal fans who became reluctant Spurs supporters on Tuesday night as they prayed for their bitter rivals to do them a favour in the Premier League title race, tonight it will be the turn of Man City fans to get behind Tottenham in the WSL.
The WSL has turned into a two-horse race between Man City and Chelsea, with the latter trailing in the table by just three points – but with a game in hand.
That match will be played against Spurs on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:45pm as the Blues look to go level on points with City heading into the final match of the season.
However, Chelsea already have a better goal difference by one – and any goals they score against Spurs could see that increase even further.
Their 8-0 win over Bristol City will be a frightening preview for their rivals of just how much that goal difference could really increase in just one game.
But all hope is not lost for Spurs – and crucially, for Man City.
If Tottenham manage to defeat Chelsea, then the control passes back to Man City on the final day who will only need a draw against Aston Villa to secure their first WSL trophy since 2016.
Even if Chelsea beat Tottenham, Man City’s hopes will not be finished – much will depend on how many goals Emma Hayes‘ side score, but Man City will need to overcome that gap in goal difference if they are to win.
After Man City opened the door for Chelsea again in the title race…[/caption]
…the Blues took their chance with both hands, giving a masterful performance against Bristol City[/caption]
Tottenham Women have had an admirable season, having secured their finish in the top half of the WSL already and most impressively having made it to the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time in their history.
For a side that were battling relegation at one point last season, it is remarkable.
Moreover, it is testament to the work done by this season’s new manager Robert Vilahamn – the calm and collected Swede who has revolutionised the team with his offensive style of play and his passion for yoga.
Last time out
Chelsea and Tottenham met in the WSL on the first day of the season in a game which defied all expectations.
Many people predicted the Blues would run away with it given Tottenham’s poor form last season.
But the tight 2-1 Chelsea victory was a sign of things to come from Spurs.
With Tottenham having had almost as many shots on target as Chelsea in that meeting, it was one which easily could have gone their way.
Another of Spurs’ stars this season – Martha Thomas – scored their goal against Chelsea when the two last met[/caption]
Vilahamn couldn’t lead his club to a trophy – but his Spurs future looks bright[/caption]
It is a precedent which will give Spurs hope heading into their meeting at the Gaughan Group Stadium.
Their 4-0 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United may have dampened spirits, but they will be buoyed by the return of one of this season’s star players, Grace Clinton, who was ineligible to play against her parent club.
Although there is little left for them to fight for since they can no longer finish above fifth or below sixth in the table, a victory over defending champions Chelsea would be the cherry on top of a hugely positive season.
As Vilahamn explained, they are keen to maintain their momentum until the final day irrespective of how high the stakes are.
“I like that we can bounce back, hopefully play some really good football and make sure we finish in a good way,” he said.
“In one way it’s good that we get this game so close to the (FA Cup final). Sometimes you want to play and see if you can get back on the tracks. It’s Chelsea and it’s a big game for us.”
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