View: New Tottenham Women boss handed triple boost ahead of daunting Chelsea opener
As managerial debuts go, they do not come more difficult than WSL Champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for Tottenham Women’s boss Robert Vilahamn.
It has been a summer of transition for Spurs, including in the dugout where Swede Vilahamn was appointed as the club’s new head coach on July 7 (Sky Sports).
Vilahamn took over a club that finished a disappointing ninth in the WSL last season and Sunday’s (1 October) season-opener could hardly be more of a baptism of fire.
In one sense, having players away on international duty in the build up to such a huge game is a hindrance to his preparations but in another he can take heart from the fact three Spurs players scored in the latest batch of international matches and will be brimming with confidence heading into the Chelsea clash.
Eveliina Summanen and Olga Athinen’s Finland made it back-to-back wins to kick off their UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign, with Summanen’s 16th-minute penalty enough to secure a 1-0 win against Romania in Group B2 on Tuesday 26 September.
Meanwhile, in the early hours of Wednesday 27 September, Drew Spence scored a delightful free-kick for Jamaica to open the scoring in the second leg of their Olympic qualifier against Shelina Zadorsky’s Canada. Rebecca Spencer also started the match, however, Canada came from behind, as Zadorsky was brought on in the second half to help her nation see out the 2-1 victory and book their place at the Olympics.
Despite the defeat, it has still been a wonderful year for the Reggae Girls, and Spence and Spencer can both hold their heads high after making brilliant contributions in helping their country reach the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup.
Elsewhere, Rosella Ayane came off the bench to score Morocco’s second goal in their 6-2 friendly defeat to Zambia.
A heavy loss it may have been, but Ayane was also part of a fine World Cup showing where Morocco also reached the round of 16.
Meanwhile, there was UEFA Women’s Nations League action for some of Spurs’ other stars on Tuesday night.
Martha Thomas played 74 minutes for Scotland during their 1-1 draw with Belgium in Group A1, while Luana Buhler and Angharad James were on the end of heavy defeats. Buhler started Switzerland’s 5-0 Group A4 loss to World champions Spain, while James played in Wales’ 5-1 Group A3 defeat to Denmark.
Barbora Votikova was an unused substitute for the Czech Republic during their 2-1 home win over Belarus in Group B4, while Jess Naz, Grace Clinton and Asmita Ale all featured for the England Under-23s, who beat Belgium 3-0 on Monday (25 September). Jess and Grace both started, with Asmita replacing Jess in the 62nd minute before Grace was substituted 17 minutes from time.
All of the club’s international players will now head back to Hotspur Way and continue preparations for their London derby on Sunday with the limited time that remains.
While Vilahamn would have surely liked more time with his players during the week to get them ready for the match, their exploits on international duty are something he will take heart from. The minutes in their legs and the confidence they would have gained from representing their nations could prove crucial.
In other Tottenham news, John Wenham believes the club’s draw in the north London derby is “a real sign of progress.”