Tottenham Women 0-1 Manchester United: Player Ratings as Turner Header Sees Off Resolute Spurs
By Ali Rampling
Manchester United moved to the top of the WSL table with a 1-0 victory over Tottenham at the Hive on Saturday afternoon.
The first starts for double World Cup-winning duo Christen Press and Tobin Heath stole the headlines, but it was the ever-dependable Millie Turner who popped up with the winner for United as she looped home a header from a corner.
United were not quite at their fluid best and struggled at times to break down a resolute Spurs. The hosts worked hard but were once again lacking in end product - the sooner Alex Morgan leaves the stands and can step foot on the pitch, the better.
Let's get into some player ratings.
Tottenham
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Becky Spencer (GK) - 7/10 - Produced a good one-on-one save in the first half to keep out Heath, followed by a fingertip stop to thwart Zelem and a strong palm to deny Russo.
Siri Worm (LB) - 5/10 - Struggled to cope with the strength and pace of Russo at times, who got the wrong side of her on a handful of occasions. Sent a free kick from a dangerous area wide in the second half.
Shelina Zadorsky (CB) - 6/10 - United have one of the most exciting, dynamic front threes in the top flight, and though they caused Spurs problems, Zadorsky held firm and restricted them to a handful of opportunities.
Hannah Godfrey (CB) - 6/10 - Pretty solid as she and Zadorsky kept United's effervescent front three at bay for much of the game.
Ashleigh Neville (LB) - 7/10 - Enjoyed an intriguing battle with Heath, showing the two-time World Cup winner no fear as she flew into tackle after tackle.
2. Midfielders
Ria Percival (RM) - 5/10 - Looked threatening when she was able to get forward, but spent much of the second half camped in her own half.
Josie Green (CM) - 5/10 - Cheaply conceded possession in a dangerous area the build up to a good Heath chance. Was helped up by midfielder partner Kennedy on a couple of occasions.
Alanna Kennedy (CM) - 8/10 - Played a pivotal role in the heart of the Spurs midfield, crunching into tackles and breaking up play effectively. The driving force in the Spurs midfield, was forced off through injury 17 minutes from time.
Gemma Davison (LM) - 5/10 - Rarely received the ball to feet and struggled to get involved all afternoon.
3. Forwards
Angela Addison (FW) - 6/10 - Drifted out to the left flank in the second half and enjoyed a real physical tussle with Amy Turner.
Rosella Ayane (FW) - 5/10 - Had a great opportunity in the opening stages as Spurs' reaped the rewards of their aggressive press, but dragged her effort wide. Was replaced just after the hour mark.
4. Substitutes
Rianna Dean - 5/10
Kit Graham - 5/10
Lucy Quinn - N/A
Anna Filbey - N/A
Lucia Leon - N/A
Manchester United
5. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Mary Earps (GK) - 6/10 - Had very little to do all afternoon and was not forced into a single save.
Amy Turner (RB) - 6/10 - Solid defensively but rarely ventured forward. Enjoyed a good battle with Addison.
Abbie McManus (CB) - 7/10 - Did well to win the ball back high up the pitch in the build up to the corner that ultimately led to United's opening goal.
Millie Turner (CB) - 7/10 - Produced a characteristically perfectly timed challenge to keep out Ayane in the opening exchanges. Headed over from a corner in the second half, before looping a header home to give United the lead.
Leah Galton (LB) - 6/10 - Playing in an unfamiliar left-back role to accommodate United's new USWNT stars, and unsurprisingly was at her best when bombing forward and overlapping Heath. Produced a particularly dangerous cross in the first half, forcing Spencer into a good save.
6. Midfielders
Hayley Ladd (CM) - 6/10 - Put in an all action, combative performance, but was replaced at halftime - potentially as a precaution as she was on a booking.
Katie Zelem (CM) - 7/10 - Back in the starting XI after her coronavirus enforced absence and was instantly back to her energetic, composed, competitive best. Spurned a good headed chance early on and brought a finger tipped save out of Spencer with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box.
Jackie Groenen (CM) - 8/10 - Influential in midfield with a selection of robust challenges that were matched by her efficiency in possession.
7. Forwards
Alessia Russo (RW) - 6/10 - Looked a real threat when charging down the flank at pace. Should have played in Heath but opted to go for goal herself - but her saved effort subsequently led to the corner from which United took the lead.
Christen Press (ST) - 6/10 - Played compatriot Heath through on goal with a perfectly weighted through ball and often drifted out to the left flank as part of a fluid front three. Was replaced 10 minutes into the second half.
Tobin Heath (LW) - 7/10 - Spawned an excellent opportunity in the first half when played clean through but sent her effort straight at Spencer. Set Zelem up with a clever pass and grew in influence as the game progressed. Absolutely mesmerising feet.
8. Substitutes
Ella Toone - 6/10
Kirsty Hanson - 5/10
Kirsty Smith - 5/10
Lucy Staniforth - 5/10