Tottenham Women 1-0 Reading Women: late Naz goal sends Spurs top of the WSL table

Top of the league! Tottenham Hotspur Women have now started their WSL campaign with nine points from nine after dispatching Reading at The Hive 1-0. Spurs had numerous chances to score, but it was a late goal from Jessica Naz — her first WSL goal — assisted by substitute Tang Jiali that was the difference in this match.

Tottenham started with an attacking lineup that included a first start for striker Chioma Ubogagu, plus Kit Graham, Rachel Williams, and Jessica Naz. Former Tottenham midfielder Chloe Peplow, who left the club in the summer, started for Reading.

First Half

8’ — Rather slow start to the half. Tottenham out with an attacking lineup and are pushing forward but haven’t created any clear cut chances. They haven’t really let Reading have a sniff at goal.

12’ — First shot for Spurs! Some great midfield passing leads to a shot from the top of the box for Kit Graham, forcing a good save from Reading keeper Moloney.

20’ — VERY scary moment there. Molly Bartrip had her pocket picked right in front of goal by Reading’s Rose, who was one-on-one with Spencer. Somehow, Becky managed to smother the ball before Rose could get a shot off. Outstanding keeping, but terrible defensive mistake by Bartrip.

21’ — Moments after, Ashleigh Neville had a pop from long distance. Not far wide, but a good look.

37’ — A crunching tackle from Kit Graham in midfield eventually leads to a blocked Ubogagu shot and a follow-up blast from Graham that’s nowhere near the goal.

40’ — HOW? Spurs have several glorious chances to score off a turnover. Kit Graham has a shot saved, Ubogagu has another shot saved, then Percival has one saved off a line and another deflected away. Incredibly unlucky not to score there.

HALFTIME — All square at the break. Spurs have been the better of the two teams on balance, but both sides have had big chances in the first half.

Second Half

46’ — Glorious opportunity for Spurs on the counter. Were three on two but Ubogagu’s attempted cross was blocked out on a corner. Moments later, Kit Graham had a long range effort that went just wide of the right post.

50’ — Scary moment from Becky Spencer who was nearly dispossessed with the ball at her feet on the goal line. Managed to scramble it away.

55’ — Numerous chances from Spurs. Percival puts a cross to the far post that Rachel Williams heads wide. About a minute later, Williams receives the ball at the top of the box, takes a touch, turns and fires a rocket just over the bar.

66’ — Chance! Kit Grahm lofts what looks like a cross to the back post, but it’s close enough that it forces a fingertip save from Moloney.

73’ — Yellow card on Spurs’ Asmita Ale, first card for either side.

78’ — Good shot Spurs! Kit Graham has a powerful shot that takes a slight deflection and is saved by Moloney. It just won’t go in the net...

82’ — Past the 80 minute mark and Rehanne Skinner still hasn’t made a substitution.

84’ — Finally, subs! Clemaron makes way for Tang Jiali, while Rosella Ayane comes on for Ubogagu.

86’ — GOAL!! JESSICA NAZ with her first WSL goal! Substitute Tang is able to poke the ball forward into the box, Naz makes a late run and slots it past Moloney!

92’ — Sub for Spurs. Goalscorer Naz makes way for Cho So-hyun.

FULL TIME! Tottenham win their first three matches and go top of the table (at least for now). Final score: 1-0!

Reactions

• I wasn’t sure that goal was ever going to come. Tons of chances for Spurs today but none were going in... until one did.
• First half was rather pedestrian and even. Not much to say about it, Spurs had most of the ball but weren’t creating too much.
• Second half was much better, lots of opportunities and half chances especially on the counter. Tons of blocked shots, near misses.
• So happy for Naz who got her winner and also her first WSL goal. She’s super young but has the skills to be a top talent.
• Ria Percival also impressed me today, with a number of very good crosses and passes in and around Reading’s box.
• Tottenham are now TOP OF THE TABLE (at least for now) with three huge wins to start their league campaign. Next up: an FA Women’s Cup match at Arsenal on Wednesday, followed by a WSL trip to newly promoted Leicester next weekend.