Tottenham manager Martin Ho hailed Arsenal as the “best team in the world”, following his side’s 5-2 loss at the hands of the Gunners at the Emirates.
An Alessia Russo first-half hat-trick, coupled with goals from Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord, condemned Spurs to back-to-back 5-2 defeats, having suffered the same fate exactly one week prior against Manchester City.
Goals from Beth England and a Frida Maanum own goal padded out the scoreline, but provided little consolation for the travelling fans.
Ho, having signed a new long-term contract earlier this week, was disappointed, but recognised the quality of the opposition.
He said, “You come to the best in the world if we’re honest about the team, who they are and what they’ve achieved over the last six to twelve months, and we pushed them back for large moments.
“First half we got into a lot of good positions but we just didn’t have the execution with the final delivery.”
Despite this, the individual errors were clear for all to see. Russo’s first goal was a free header from a corner, her third coming from a horrific error from goalkeeper Lize Kop, as well as Blackstenius’ late goal being caused by a sloppy loss of possession in midfield.
Ho said, “Three goals in the game we gave them so we could be better. They’re pivotal moments in the game because the tide can turn and momentum can change.
“We’ve got to start removing these errors because we’re getting punished for them every time.
“We have to make sure now we take accountability as a team, players and staff.”
When asked about the Kop error which gifted Russo her hat-trick, Ho responded, “That’s my responsibility.
“I asked Lize to play that way and I asked her to build out with her feet and make those decisions. If she makes a decision and gets it wrong, that’s my responsibility because I’m asking her to play that way.
“I’m not pleased or displeased with anyone because they’re giving absolutely everything. Maybe, when you come to play these top teams, it’s maybe just a step we’re trying to overcome at this moment.
“I have no doubt, going into next year, we’ll be in a better space for it.”
Focus now turns to Spurs’ next fixture – an FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea at Kingsmeadow on Sunday. Despite the nature of the defeat, Ho believes his players should and will be able to build themselves up for the match.
He said, “If we can’t get ourselves up for a quarter-final, then we shouldn’t be at this club. Because this club should be winning and should be competing in those stages.
“The players will no doubt be deflated from this, but I have no doubt they will be motivated for that game.”
Paul Edwards
Paul, often known as Eddie, is the Editor-in-Chief for the Sports Gazette, as well as a keen football enthusiast. As a sports freak, he can often be found ranting about how his lookalike, Lewis Hall, should be in the England squad or how Rehan Ahmed is criminally overrated. Paul publishes his projects on Substack (@pauledwards123) as well as writing for Hampton and Richmond Borough FC. His passion for sport is palpable, and he is excited for the opportunity to write about the ups and downs of high-level sport. Contact him via [email protected].
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