The mantra for Rehanna Skinner this season has been improvement, improvement, improvement. And for a team that viewed finishing fifth in the WSL last season as an exasperating disappointment, pre-season stirred plenty of ambitious billings for Manchester United and Tottenham to battle it out for top-three gate crasher status.
But midway through the season, it transpires that only Marc Skinner's side has managed to deliver on those predictions.
A 3-0 home defeat to Everton bookmarked Spurs’ league season until January 15, signalling their fourth successive league defeat without registering a single goal.
It’s that extended and unpalatable recent record in Skinner's now two years in north London that hangs over this season most unpleasantly, and more pertinently, one that leaves Spurs with just nine points from a possible 27 and sat eighth in the league going into the winter break.
At this time last year, Spurs had gleaned 20 points from a possible 27 and held big-hitters Arsenal and Manchester United to 1-1 draws while scraping three points out of Manchester City.
The contrast in positions is alarming, as are the feeble defensive errors and profligacy in front of goal that have come to define much of this season. Captain Amy Turner and summer recruit Angharad James have consistently called on their side to improve their mentality and consistency, insisting that the fix is one of intangibles, but with the January transfer window rolling into view, Spurs could benefit hugely from the potential it breeds.
The most problematic area for Spurs this season continues to be in front of goal, not least because of the litany of injuries and absences that have unfortunately hamstrung Skinner’s ranks. Forward Kiyah Simon, newly-signed forward Ellie Brazil and attacking midfielder Kit Graham all comprise the injury list, with forward Rosella Ayane only returning recently and Chioma Ubogagu reinstated following her nine-month ban.
While Drew Spence and Jessica Naz consistently offer relative threats in front of goal, a lack of clinical edge has continued to gurgle frustration. Spence in particular has found herself in dangerous positions to goad some attacking flair into life yet failed to capitalise, while a lack of discipline has also seen her drift into midfield without offering much in the way of a convincing game plan.
New recruit Nikola Karczewska, who arrived from the French side FC Fleury after scoring 10 times in 24 games, has yet to pop off, netting just twice.
Indeed, Spurs’ most prolific player at the moment is winger-turned-wingback Ashleigh Neville, whose deserved red card against Everton sees her out for Spurs’ first three matches in the new year.
Her absence potentially accelerates the need to bolster the attack while also underscoring another in need of improving. While Neville has slotted valiantly into the wingback role, her defensive frailties as a natural winger have been called out by sharper opponents, at times leaving defenders Amy Turner, Molly Bartrip and Shelina Zadorsky with more work than they can often handle.
The return of Kerys Harrop from injury could come in handy, but the veteran’s dawdling on the ball and panic recovery gave West Ham a penalty in a half they had hardly offered a whimper of threat. The left side of Spurs' defence continues to prove a problem area, with defender Asmita Ale caught out by pacey attackers. Whether Skinner opts for a tweak in system to compensate remains to be seen.
Skinner refused to be drawn on the alarming bluntness in front of goal after her side’s 2-0 loss to West Ham, instead opting to acknowledge the goalscoring opportunities created and maintaining that the chances will “click” soon as long as confidence is fostered.
Nonetheless, it is difficult to shake the thought that bringing in reinforcements to fill the depleted ranks could also improve chances of finding the back of the net. Top teams like Chelsea and Manchester United have an ability to flex incredible depth, and at the of the table, the most valuable currency is often quantity.
Skinner maintained that her side’s mental component needed improving and developing that edge over the course of the winter break would be critical. But so too could the January transfer window.
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