Girls on the Ball

As yet another transfer window comes to a close, clubs across the WSL were scampering to improve their squads across the board. In a corner of North London, Spurs arguably pulled off the most elite coup and signing of the window. Bringing in Bethany England from Chelsea for both a club and British record transfer fee of £250k. Along with the loan signing of Mana Iwabuchi from North London Rivals Arsenal, it could be said that Spurs have had the ideal window to propel themselves up the table.

Goalscoring has been the main issue for Rehanne Skinner's side this season, having only scored 12 goals in their 10 league games this season and eight of those coming in the same game in their 8-0 win over Brighton back in October. England herself has already hit the ground running, scoring 2 goals in her first three Spurs games in league and cup, a goal in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa and a well placed header in the 5-0 FA Cup win over London City last weekend. Much was asked if Spurs can give her the service she required which is where the loan signing of Mana Iwabuchi from Arsenal comes in.

The japanese international is exactly what Spurs fans hope can be the key to unlocking defences for Beth England and co to thrive. Iwabuchi, like England notched in the 5-0 win over London City Lionesses brings that much needed creativity to Spurs. Last season whilst playing for Arsenal and according to Opta, Mana had an expected assist (xAG) ratio of 0.9 every 90 minutes which could lead to a very fruitful partnership with England and her Sprus teammates, if they can get a tune out of her. 

With Spurs’ next matches coming against Chelsea, Manchester United, Reading (FA Cup) and Liverpool, it’s vitally important for the lillywhites that their January signings strike up a partnership and fast.