Manchester United Women secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, reclaiming second place in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and keeping their dreams of Champions League football alive. Elisabeth Terland’s early goal proved decisive as Marc Skinner’s side extended their winning streak to five matches, maintaining the pressure on league leaders Chelsea while opening up a five-point gap over third-placed Manchester City.
A Dominant Start
United came flying out of the blocks, showcasing their intent from the first whistle. The visitors’ high press caused immediate problems for Tottenham, with Elisabeth Terland leading the charge. The Norwegian forward, who has a knack for scoring against Spurs, put goalkeeper Lize Kop under pressure early on, setting the tone for a dominant first-half display.
It took just six minutes for United to break the deadlock. Jayde Riviere delivered a precise cross from the right flank, and Terland met it with a clinical volley from close range, netting her sixth career WSL goal against Tottenham. The early strike gave United a platform to build on, and they continued to dictate the tempo for much of the first half.
Spurs Struggle to Respond
Tottenham, struggling to cope with United’s intensity, found it difficult to create meaningful chances. Their first real opportunity came in the 16th minute when a free-kick was comfortably dealt with by United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who confidently plucked the ball out of the air.
United, meanwhile, were relentless in their pursuit of a second goal. Hinata Miyazawa almost capitalised on a sloppy pass from Kop, intercepting the ball just outside the box, but she was unable to get a shot away. Moments later, Ella Toone came agonisingly close to doubling United’s lead with a curling effort from distance that rattled the crossbar.
Terland had another chance to add to her tally before halftime after Miyazawa’s pressing forced a mistake from a Tottenham defender. The Norwegian found herself through on goal but could only muster a tame shot that failed to trouble Kop. Despite their dominance, United went into the break with just a one-goal advantage, leaving Skinner frustrated that his side weren’t further ahead.
Spurs Show More Fight in the Second Half
Tottenham emerged from the interval with renewed energy, enjoying more possession and pinning United back in their own half. However, for all their improved control of the ball, they lacked the cutting edge to seriously test Tullis-Joyce. Their best chance of the half fell to Jess Naz, whose effort from distance was comfortably saved by the United keeper.
United, though, remained a threat on the counter-attack. Dominique Janssen came close to scoring with a powerful strike that whistled just wide of the post, while Terland was denied a second goal after failing to control a dangerous cross from Toone, which rebounded harmlessly to Kop.
As the game entered its final stages, Tottenham pushed for an equaliser, but United’s defence stood firm. Beth England, the Spurs captain, headed well over the bar in the 76th minute, summing up her side’s struggles in front of goal. Despite six minutes of added time, United’s backline held strong, ensuring they left North London with all three points.
A Statement Win
The victory not only solidified United’s position in second place but also highlighted their credentials as genuine contenders for Champions League qualification. Skinner’s side have now won five consecutive WSL matches, showcasing a blend of defensive resilience and attacking flair that has become their trademark this season.
Speaking after the match, Skinner praised his team’s performance but acknowledged there is still room for improvement. “We started brilliantly and got the early goal, which set the tone for the game,” he said. “But we need to be more clinical in front of goal. We had chances to kill the game off, and against better sides, we might not get away with it.”
Looking Ahead
With the WSL title race heating up, United’s focus now shifts to their next challenge as they aim to close the gap on Chelsea. The win over Tottenham was a statement of intent, but Skinner knows his side must maintain their momentum if they are to achieve their ambitions this season.
For Tottenham, the defeat leaves them languishing in mid-table, with manager Robert Vilahamn facing an uphill battle to reignite their campaign. Despite showing glimpses of improvement in the second half, their lack of cutting edge in the final third remains a pressing concern.
As the WSL season enters its decisive phase, Manchester United Women continue to dream big. With a five-point cushion over Manchester City and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Skinner’s side are proving they belong among the elite of English women’s football.
