Tottenham Women ace Barbora Votikova recognised for North London derby heroics with WSL nomination
Tottenham Women’s goalkeeping future appears to be in safe hands after Barbora Votikova’s historical WSL debut last month.
Spurs made history when they beat Arsenal Women for the first time, winning the north London derby 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 16 December.
While it was Martha Thomas’ seventh league goal of the season which decided the tie, Robert Vilahamn had his goalkeeper to thank for the three points.
Making her WSL debut, Votikova recorded arguably the club’s most important-ever clean sheet with a phenomenal display between the sticks.
The former PSG shot-stopper made eight saves, with five of those coming from inside the box, and was successful with her one venture outside of the penalty area (Sofascore).
The Gunners were frustrated as they found themselves up against an inspired goalkeeper on that memorable Saturday afternoon, who has now been recognised for her derby day heroics.
It has been announced that the 27-year-old has been shortlisted for the FA Women’s Super League Player of the Month award for December. Her fine efforts see her nominated alongside Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw, Liverpool’s Taylor Hinds, Manchester United’s Ella Toone and Leicester City’s Lena Petermann.
Votikova was made to wait patiently for her debut in the WSL, having joined the club in the summer (Tottenham Hotspur official website, 17 August). Despite being handed the number one shirt, early indications suggested she would have to settle for a squad role at Hotspur Way.
Her first three appearances in Tottenham colours all came in the FA Women’s League Cup, with her performances in those matches suggesting she was one to watch.
She kept a clean sheet on her Spurs debut against Reading Women (11 October), and while she didn’t make any saves as The Royals failed to register a shot on target, she did complete an astonishing 98 per cent of her passes and was successful with 100 per cent of the long balls she played forward (three out of three).
Votikova made it back-to-back clean sheets when she started the 3-0 win over Bristol City Women (22 November), making one save this time, and completing 100 per cent of her passes, while also making one clearance and one interception.
After her performance against Arsenal, Tottenham supporters can certainly expect to see a lot more of Votikova in 2024.
In other Tottenham news, one 64-touch Spurs man has been likened to Cristiano Ronaldo after his performance in the FA Cup win against Burnley.