How Tottenham can avoid relegation from the WSL

Tottenham need to ditch their defensive high-line if they want to avoid relegation from the Women’s Super League this season.

Spurs head coach Rehanne Skinner has been sacked after a run of nine consecutive WSL defeats, the club’s worst run of form since their promotion to the league back in 2019. 

“Since joining us in 2020, Rehanne has played an integral role in our development in the women’s game, both on and off the field,” said Andy Rogers, managing director of Tottenham Hotspur Women.

“She has carried out her duties with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail, and we should like to thank her for everything she has done for us over the course of her tenure.”

The club, who have not won a league fixture since the end of October, face a real threat of relegation with just eight games remaining in the season, as they sit only two points above the relegation spot. 

Tonight, Tottenham will face bottom-club Leicester City in what could be a crucial match in deciding who will be playing the Championship next season.

Assistant manager Vicky Jepson has been appointed as caretaker manager for the time being, and will look to inspire this Spurs team.

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If Tottenham do want to be playing in the WSL this season, they need to be much more compact and aggressive without the ball. 

Ahead of tonight’s match, Spurs have a goal difference of -12, which is better than both teams beneath them in the table (Leicester -25, Brighton -28), and Reading (-18) who are above them in the table. The north London side have no problem scoring goals, especially with players like Bethany England and Mana Iwabuchi up front, but have consistently been caught out conceding easy ones because of their insistence on playing a high defensive block. 

Specifically when playing against teams with quick attacking players, Spurs struggle to get back from their high-line to defend, making them an easy target for fast counter-attacks. 

It’s yet to be seen how Jepson, who spent well over a decade at Liverpool, will set up this Spurs side, but one thing is obvious: they need to set up in a way that prevents them from conceding such easy goals if they want a chance of staying in the WSL beyond this season.