View: Robert Vilahamn offered chance to prove his worth at Tottenham Women with Conti Cup draw
Tottenham Women’s FA Continental Tyres League Cup group stage campaign has become a lot more difficult following the latest draw, which will see them face off with a familiar rival.
As previously reported by The Mirror (1 August), the draw for the 2023/24 FA Continental Tyres League Cup group stages had been made, with Robert Vilahamn’s Spurs side being drawn into Group D alongside Bristol City, Southampton and Reading.
The competition’s group stages are divided into northern and southern sections. Group stage fixtures will begin on the weekend of 11 and 12 October and conclude at the end of January, with the final set to take place on 31 March 2024.
Holders Arsenal, who won the competition last season by beating WSL winners Chelsea at Selhurst Park in the final, were knocked out of the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers, meaning they must now join the competition during the group stage phase.
Had the Gunners been successful in qualifying for Europe’s elite competition, they would have been granted a pass straight through to the knockout phase of the cup. However, it was not to be, and they have now been drawn into Group D alongside local rivals Tottenham.
All of a sudden, Group D looks like a very tricky group to navigate. Reading and Southampton have both made strong starts to their Barclays Women’s Championship campaigns, while Bristol City will be looking to impress following promotion to the Women’s Super League. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s quality needs little explanation.
Tottenham Women are at the beginning of a new era under the guidance of Vilahaman and will hope to use the competition and a showdown with their local rivals as a platform to make a statement.
A big win against Arsenal will certainly push the team forward and Vilahamn will be keen to show everyone what he can do when the two sides meet.
In other Tottenham news, one international star had a bright performance despite his team tasting defeat.