FAWSL 2020/2021: Tottenham Hotspur Women v Brighton and Hove Albion Women – tactical analysis

The WSL is back, following an international break, with several games catching the eye. However, the break also saw some managerial departures, with West Ham United Women manager Matt Beard leaving by mutual consent after their poor start to the season, whilst joint-head coaches Karen Hills and Juan Amoros were sacked by Tottenham Hotspur Women, and England coach Rehanne Skinner was appointed in their place the same day. This tactical analysis will look at her first game in charge, at home to Brighton and Hove Albion Women, managed by former England boss Hope Powell.

In this analysis, we will look at the tactics Brighton used to frustrate Tottenham throughout the game, as well as how Tottenham changed things around in the second half to ensure they won the game. We will also look at how Rehanne Skinner wants her team to play in future games, bringing in some general points about the way she set Tottenham up in this match.

Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur Women made three changes to the side that conceded a late equaliser against Bristol City Women in their last game, with Scotland defender Hannah Godfrey, Netherlands left-back Siri Worm and Spanish defender Lucia Leon all dropping out. Anna Filbey came into the centre-back position, partnering on-loan Canada defender Shelina Zadorsky, whilst experienced former Birmingham City Women defender Kerys Harrop started at left-back. Meanwhile, Rehanne Skinner opted to use the pace of Rosella Ayane in attack, with her and winger Angela Addison playing on either wing, whilst USA international Alex Morgan again started upfront.

Brighton and Hove Albion Women, meanwhile, made two changes of their own from the team that beat West Ham United Women in their last game. The first was in goal, as Norway goalkeeper Cecilie Fiskerstrand was replaced by regular first-choice Megan Walsh, whilst experienced midfielder Emily Simpkins moved to the bench, with centre-back Victoria Williams coming into the team, partnering Netherlands international Danique Kerkdijk. Danielle Bowman, who had played in defence in the previous game, moved into the midfield, whilst striker Rianna Jarrett, who scored the winner against West Ham, started alongside another Dutch international, Inessa Kaagman, forming a front two.