How serious is Tottenham Hotspur after hot WSL start?

Tottenham Hotspur's early-season performance has raised questions about their seriousness in the Women's Super League (WSL). Coach Martin Ho's team has managed to stay among the early season leaders, but a recent defeat against a revamped London City Lionesses has highlighted lingering issues that set them apart from the top teams. Despite this setback, the positives of Tottenham's attacking prowess should not be overlooked.

According to Opta's The Analyst report, the club has more than doubled their goals scored in five games (seven to 16). This remarkable improvement in attacking output, including 42 shots against Crystal Palace and 35 shots against Aston Villa, demonstrates their ability to generate and maintain pressure on opponents. With 77 shots in just two games, Spurs have showcased remarkable consistency and intent in their offensive play.

Tottenham's attack is not just about volume but also quality, as evidenced by their 14.1 xG and 20 big chances, ranking them among the league leaders. Dutch international Victoria Pelova is their top scorer with five goals and one assist in five games, while Danish international Olivia Holdt's hat-trick against Crystal Palace showcases her contribution to their attack.

Norwegian international Signe Gaupset, the youngest player to create eight chances from open play in a single match, has been pivotal in their attacking strategies.

However, the loss to London City Lionesses exposed weaknesses in Tottenham's defense and decision-making. Despite generating a similar number of shots as the Lionesses, Tottenham's shots on target were limited, leading to a xG of 2.41. Coach Ho emphasized the importance of winning individual battles and reacting quickly to changing situations, citing Alexia Putellas' rebound goal as an example of their struggles in high-pressure moments.

Looking ahead, Tottenham faces tough challenges against London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal in the coming weeks. While their early attacking output has set a positive tone, the recent defeat against a top-tier opponent serves as a reality check, highlighting the gap between Tottenham and the league's elite. Whether the team can address these issues during the international break will determine their future performance in the WSL.