Notes On Spurs vs. Sheffield United 14/01/24

By Dave Puckridge.

Five things I noticed during Spurs’ hard-fought FA Cup victory over Sheffield United.

1. A Comeback Win

And breathe!

Has everybody’s blood pressure returned to normal yet?

Spurs did it the hard way; for 60 minutes we were distinctly second best: rusty, disjointed, ponderous and bringing back grim memories of our form of last season. And Sheffield United were excellent, ruthlessly pressing, swarming and refusing to give our players that fraction of a second extra they seemed to be wanting to make decisions.

Earlier in the season, Robert Vihamn responded to praise about Spurs playing style by insisting that key to it would be consistency, to stick to it even in adversity, to believe in it even when results were going against them. And that held good here: admittedly, it took going 2-0 down to a Championship side, but once Spurs started playing their way, United just couldn’t handle them.

2. An Impeccably Held Minute’s Applause

On the 8th minute the ground held a minute’s applause as a sign of respect for Sheffield United’s Number 8, Maddy Cusack who died in September.

I urge you to read Daniel Taylor’s article for The Athletic here (not paywalled): Special report: Maddy Cusack – why her family want a new investigation into her death – The Athletic

And if you can spare anything you may want to donate to for her family’s JustGiving page. They want to set up a foundation in her name.

3. The Limitations Of A Makeshift Line Up

Spurs have been forced to overcome gaps left by injuries by repurposing available players into unfamiliar positions; Angharad James has really come into her own filling in at right back, excelling against Arsenal where Kit Graham and Ramona Petzelberger also acquitted themselves well in alien roles at holding midfield.

This game was no different. Fans were scratching their heads when the team sheet was released and the delight at seeing Eveliina Summanen back from injury was quickly followed by the dawning realisation that she appeared to be playing at centre back alongside Molly Bartrip with no sign of Amy Turner or Luana Bühler in the squad (& Shelina Zadorsky loaned out to West Ham).

[Editors note: Vilahamn’s logic for using Eveliina at centre-back has since been reported elsewhere and it’s worth checking out]

At the start of the second half Eveliina, who is returning from injury, was subbed and our defensive line changed again. Now Molly was partnered with Ashleigh Neville in her centre back debut and, with Ash vacating the right-back berth, our full back pairing was Spurs debutant Charli Grant and – according to my Panini WSL sticker book – forward Ellie Brazil.

The level of unfamiliarity proved a bridge too far and Sheffield United found it too easy to press and force errors, leaving Spurs a mountain to climb.

4. Returns and Debuts

As noted previously, Eveliina was at (centre)back and looked as composed on the ball as ever. 

But the introduction of Olga Ahtinen for the first time since being stretchered off with an MCL against Liverpool in November was the game changer. Full of energy, Ahtinen demanded the ball, made herself available to receive passes and progressed the ball forward at every opportunity quickly. She proved the spark that brought Spurs to life and inspired the comeback.

Welcome back Olga, please never leave us again.

Then we had debuts for our new signings. Charli Grant lasted the full 90 minutes at left back. It was an energetic performance and her final ball improved over the course of the match as she became more familiar with her team mates – a near instant connection with Celin Bizet when they were briefly on the same flank is something to get excited about.

Matilda Vinberg was introduced in the second half and worked well with Olga. She looks to be a very good addition to the team.

5. Beth England

Beth England is out there. She can’t be bargained with. She can’t be reasoned with. She doesn’t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. She. Just. Scores. Goals.