By Ella McShane (18/04/2025)
Above: Robert Vilahamn Credit: Chris Cowlin: Spurs Chat Podcast & Tottenham News via YouTube
Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa at Brisbane Road this Sunday, in a game where results are sure to define both sides ultimate standings on the Barclay’s WSL table.
When asked what successful performances for his Tottenham side could look like in these concluding games of the season, manager Robert Vilahamn detailed the importance of “gaining as many points as possible”. He also highlighted the need for growth in the team’s dominance; so that they are able to go into next season in a positive position to “compete and close that gap…that we haven’t done this season”.
Achieving these positive results requires player welfare at the forefront. This reflects a debate in the women’s game, following a growing injury crisis during the April international window.
Vilahamn confirms his Spurs side was not exempt from the growing list of injuries across the league.
Charlie Grant returned from international break with an unspecified “minor issue, [meaning] that she probably cannot be in the squad for this week”.
Luana Bühler, also returns with an unspecified injury that leaves her unavailable for “at least the first upcoming games, perhaps the [last] four games”.
Hayley Raso is confirmed to be nursing a quad injury. Her early departure from the last block explained, having picked up the injury “in the last training before the Leicester game”. She was “sent to Australia to make sure they can have a second opinion”.
There has been growing speculation that Raso’s absence from the team sheet extends beyond injury. To which Vilahamn responded by ensuring that the two of them are “working good together”.
Optimistically, captain Beth England is in contention, Vilahamn detailing “she trained well this week and hopefully she is in the squad for this weekend”.
Positive news on the pitch, as England has proven on countless occasions that she is a key component in Tottenham’s ability to secure goals on the multitude of chances they are capable of creating. And, off the pitch, Vilahamn praising England’s voice in the locker room and her leadership skills.
In terms of Vilahamn’s analysis of Aston Villa as an opponent, he praised manager Natalia Arroyo’s intelligence in adapting her sides starting eleven, to secure the points necessary to clear the relegation battle her side is currently facing.
Vilanhamn also alluded to the outcomes of the weekend being defined by if Villa play “for points or for their identity”.
Tottenham vs Aston Villa kicks off at 2pm Easter Sunday and is available to stream live on the Barclay’s WSL YouTube channel.
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