Manchester City underlined their attacking power with a convincing victory over Tottenham Hotspur, as debutant Grace Clinton scored against her former club in north London.
Clinton, who made the move across Manchester this summer, struck on her first appearance to cap a lively display, while Vivianne Miedema also netted her first goal of the season as Jonas Eidevall’s side continued to build momentum after their opening-day defeat to Chelsea.
Despite coming into the game with back-to-back league wins, Spurs struggled to match City’s intensity. Martin Ho’s side were punished for lapses in defensive duels and hesitation in pressing, with City repeatedly exploiting the space to create chances and seal a deserved win.
‘Not acceptable’ – Ho on Spurs’ defeat
Spurs boss Martin Ho admitted his side failed to compete physically, particularly in one-on-one situations.
“We weren’t up close one-on-one. We were two or three yards off and when we did get close, we didn’t stay in the duel enough. Physically, we didn’t even make it competitive,” he said.
Ho added that while City’s quality was clear, his players needed to show more commitment to their pressing game.
“We just didn’t commit. When we did, we forced errors, but we were hesitating. You can’t press in half positions against good teams – they’ll pick you off. That’s not acceptable for me. From a competitive perspective and an actual fight, it’s not acceptable.”
The Spurs manager also warned that with more competition in his squad, players would need to step up.
Eidevall hails City’s variety
City head coach Jonas Eidevall praised his team’s composure and ability to create chances in different ways.
“Tottenham is a good team, so it wasn’t easy. But the important part is that we believe so much in the process. We’ve created chances in so many ways – in transition, winning the ball high, and from set plays.”
On Clinton’s debut goal, Eidevall added:
“She’s a great football player. She can play in the build-up and in the final act. She brings so much versatility and had a really good game, capped with a goal.”
The Swede was also encouraged by Vivianne Miedema’s contribution in a deeper role.
“She can play nine or ten, but for us she’s been very good in that ten position, just below Bunny Shaw. It gives her freedom and adds a lot to the team.”
Clinton: ‘A new journey and exciting chapter’
Grace Clinton reflected on an emotional but rewarding debut, having scored against the club where she enjoyed a successful loan spell last season.
“It was obviously not a decision I made lightly [to move across Manchester]. But I felt coming here would bring out a different side of my game and help me improve. I’m learning new things every day, which is really important to me.”
The 21-year-old midfielder admitted scoring on debut was a confidence boost but stressed there is more to come.
“I’m really happy to get a goal and that confidence, but I’ve still got improvements to make. I was just excited to get back on the pitch – my mindset was to be me, play with confidence, and enjoy being alongside unbelievable players.”
Clinton added it was “really nice” to see her former Spurs teammates and staff again, but she is focused on her new chapter.
“I loved my time at Spurs, it gave me so much confidence, but now this is a new journey and an exciting chapter for me.”
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