Well where do we start: the first Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) North London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (THS); the ruthless coupe off the field there; or the must win next PLDs match for West Ham United and their manager?
On Sunday 17 November the first WSL North London derby between Tottenham Women and Arsenal Women was held at the THS in front of a record 38,262 crowd – incidentally higher than the maximum capacity at the old White Hart Lane. Last season’s WSL Champions Arsenal duly won 0-2 with second half goals from Kim Little and Holland striker VivianneMiedema against a side promoted as runners up (aren’t Spurs always) in the Championship last season. At Anfield Liverpool Women lost 0-1 to Everton in front of 23,500. The WSL is booming!
Was the ruthless coupe which deposed Mauricio Pochettino from the Spurs’ dug-out being planned then and in the International Break? “Poch” was a very popular man among Spurs’ fans, and Jose Mourinho may have his work cut out initially to win many over, let alone unify and re-invigorate the dressing room. One PLDs record Pochettino will take with him was the best record in PLDs matches over the last 5 seasons since joining Spurs with 24 wins, 10 draws, 9 defeats and 82 points won, against Chelsea’s 23,9, 11 and 78, and Arsenal’s 20,12,11 and 72 respectively.
So to the London Stadium where Saturday 23 November’s match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur has become a “must win game” now for only one beleaguered Manager. Why do nice people like Manuel Pellegrini always get pushed around? One battle the Hammers are winning is match day attendances. Despite Tottenham’s boast about having the biggest stadium capacity in London outside Wembley, so far West Ham are a few hundred spectators ahead of Spurs, and both a few hundred behind Arsenal. Let’s see who wins on the field.
Until next time, enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.