Tottenham prove they are no pushovers despite Chelsea defeat - FA WSL news

Impressive start | Tottenham may have lost to Chelsea but put on a good show on their WSL debut
Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I
Jack Rosser @JackRosser_9 September 2019

Tottenham proved they will be no pushovers in the FA Women's Super League this season after an impressive debut against three time champions Chelsea.

Bethany England's fourth-minute thunderbolt meant that the Blues took the points and bragging rights in front of nearly 25,000 supporters at Stamford Bridge.

But Spurs, taking their first steps at this level after a summer of transition into a full-time outfit and nine new signings, showed they are not just there to offer their rivals easy points.

The north Londoners would have taken at least a point to go with their pride had their finishing been sharper, but captain Jenna Schillaci was encouraged by the performance - though not surprised.

"We're not in this league to make up the numbers," she told Standard Sport. "We have got quality throughout our team. We can walk away with our heads held high.

In Pictures | Chelsea vs Tottenham WSL | FA Women's Super League

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"I think from where we were ten weeks ago when we had half a [squad], with the old girls and the new experience. Everyone has got on board and it has gelled.

"We want to establish ourselves in this league, make sure we are competitive. The quality of players we have recruited this season, the experience they bring is massive and that will push us forward."

With a near 41,000 free tickets distributed for the game, Chelsea had expected to set a new WSL attendance record with the previous one having been broken by the 31,213 who watched the League's first Manchester derby at The Etihad on Saturday.

The 24,264 fell someway short but was still more than five times the average of Chelsea's usual attendance at their Kingsmeadow ground.

Record breakers | Saturday's Manchester derby set a new WSL attendance record
Getty Images

"We can be cynical about paying for tickets, but I'm not going to criticise it because we've built on the momentum of the World Cup, the timing of the game, we built on it," said Chelsea manager Emma Hayes.

"We've won a lot today, not just three points, in people's consciousness, women's football will continue to grow and I'm so proud of this football club.

"I doubt I'll ever work at a place that has pushed and pushed for women to progress like this place has."

Across the capital, Arsenal began their title defence with their own London derby against West Ham, where another stunning goal from Beth Mead helped Joe Montemurro's side to a 2-1 victory as Jordan Nobbs made her long-awaited return from a serious knee injury.

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