Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Mon 23 March 2026 20:10, UK

Tottenham Hotspur Women were put to the sword once again by Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw in the Women’s Super League.

The Jamaica international scored a 13-minute first-half hat-trick in Tottenham’s 5-2 loss to WSL leaders Man City on Saturday.

Martin Ho’s side were 5-1 down at half time, with Olivia Holdt grabbing a surprise equaliser at 1-1 before the hosts blew Spurs away at Joie Stadium.

The north London team ended up winning the second half 1-0, thanks to Bethany England’s late goal, but by then, the damage had been done.

Tottenham rolled over far too easily against City, in a performance that was a long way below the standards they have set for much of the season.

Tottenham ripped apart by Khadija Shaw again

Shaw took her WSL goal tally to 18 in as many games this season in their big win over Tottenham.

While they seem primed to win the league, Spurs sit fifth and will be glad to see the back of the big striker.

This treble was the fastest hat-trick in WSL history, and her fourth consecutive one against Tottenham at home in the league.

All three of Shaw’s goals were headers as Spurs struggled to handle the Jamaican from set pieces.

Shaw has now scored a remarkable 15 goals against Tottenham, a side she enjoys playing like no other.

Tottenham need to regroup and fast. But things don’t get any easier as they prepare for a North London Derby clash at Emirates Stadium with Arsenal on Saturday.

Tottenham’s good work being undone

Heading into the international break, Tottenham were level on points with rivals Arsenal, although the Gunners had two games in hand, and third-placed Chelsea were just four points ahead.

But a disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Everton was compounded by this mauling against City.

Ho said Spurs’ second-half performance was much more encouraging, but City were in cruise control mode by then.

To make matters worse, Tottenham defender Clare Hunt has suffered a knee injury that will require surgery after getting injured for Australia in the Asian Cup.

Spurs will be boosted by the returns of Chelsea loanee Maika Hamano and Toko Koga, who guided Japan to Asian Cup glory on Saturday.

And barring a collapse and an upturn in form from their rivals, Tottenham are still likely to finish fifth. But at this rate, their positive season may end in a whimper.