Tottenham Hotspur Women secured a hard-fought point with a 0-0 draw against Manchester United Women in the Women's Super League this week. The match, reported by www.manutd.com, was played in front of 7,310 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and ended in a stalemate that frustrated the visitors' ambitions.
Spurs defended resolutely throughout to earn a clean sheet. The result left United third in the table with two games left, but they trail leaders Manchester City Women by 19 points. Tottenham finished the 2025 season in fifth place with 36 points from 22 games, scoring 35 goals and conceding 38.
How did Spurs defend their goal?
Tottenham's defensive unit was organized and determined. Goalkeeper Rebecca Kop was called into action to gather a long-range effort from Jess Park. In front of her, defenders like Amanda Nilden and Julie Blakstad faced consistent pressure from United's wide players, including Jayde Riviere who beat Blakstad on several occasions. Crucial interventions came from across the pitch. Midfielder Simi Awujo denied a dangerous cross from Signe Gaupset, and later, a Gaupset effort was deflected wide by Lisa Naalsund following a combination between Hanna Lundkvist and Fridolina Rolfo.
Millie Turner made a vital block from a corner for United, but Spurs' own set-piece defense was solid. Keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce claimed the ball confidently on several occasions during corners to relieve pressure. The home side's discipline was tested, with midfielder Maika Hamano receiving a yellow card, but they held firm.
What attacking threats did Tottenham pose?
While focused on defense, Spurs created moments of danger. Olivia Holdt tested Tullis-Joyce with a shot from around 20 yards that was parried wide for a corner. Lenna Gunning-Williams, who came on as a substitute for Matilda Vinberg in the 81st minute, also fired at the target, forcing a save. The main creative spark came from Signe Gaupset, whose crosses and efforts required United's attention.
The starting lineup featured Kop in goal, a back line of Ashleigh Nilden, Amy Turner, and Asmita Ale, with Blakstad and Hamano in midfield. Gaupset, Spence, and Holdt supported forwards Vinberg and Tandberg. Manager Rehanne Skinner will be encouraged by the team's resilience as they build towards the new season, with fans able to track preparations on the club's squad page.
How does this result fit into the wider season?
The draw had significant implications for the WSL title race. It moved United above Arsenal into third, but Chelsea remain second with a four-point cushion over them. Arsenal, now one point behind United, have three games in hand. For Tottenham, the point is a positive step following a 2025 campaign that ended with a goal difference of minus three and recent form reading WWDLL.
United manager Marc Skinner acknowledged his team's shortcomings. "We needed to be more aggressive," he said after the match. Defender Jayde Riviere looked ahead, stating, "We have everything to play for." Both teams introduced players returning from injury in the second half, with Anna Sandberg, Ella Toone, and Ellen Wangerheim all coming on for United.
What is next for Tottenham Hotspur Women?
Attention now turns to continued development and planning. The team's full schedule for the upcoming season is available on the fixtures page. Building on a foundation that saw them finish fifth last term, the focus will be on converting more of these resilient defensive performances into wins. The current standings from the concluded 2025 season show the competitive nature of the league, where fine margins decide positions. Spurs used all three substitutes, with Olga Ahtinen coming on for Hamano in the 78th minute and Jessica Naz replacing Vinberg late on.
