Spurs Claim The Points In WSL Opener On Filbert Way
Ahead of kick-off, tributes were paid to the life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as King Power Stadium observed a minute's silence before the playing of the National Anthem, God Save The King.
Throughout the match, players on across both teams wore black armbands while fans joined in a minute’s applause on the 70th minute in recognition of the length of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
Lydia Bedford handed debuts to four summer signings - Erin Simon, Josie Green, against her former club, new captain Aileen Whelan and Carrie Jones, while goalkeeper Kirstie Levell returned from injury to play her first competitive game since November 2021.
Following a cagey opening, the hosts fashioned the game's first real opportunity. Carrie Jones worked space in the middle of the park before sending Whelan away, but her curling effort landed just over the crossbar.
The Lilywhites had a half chance when Ashleigh Neville's cross from the right was met by Drew Spence, before Sam Tierney got a block in to prevent her goal-bound effort.
The deadlock was broken 10 minutes before the break courtesy of an audacious long-range hit from Neville, who found the top corner from all of 40 yards out.
The away side looked to double their advantage soon after. Jessica Naz broke away down the right, using her pace to open up a shooting opportunity and Levell was equal to the low strike, palming it away.
Tottenham captain Shelina Zadorsky then saw an attempt deflect over from the resulting corner, before Spurs substitute Ellie Brazil's shot sailed off target.
Leicester were unable to hold out until the break, though, and it took another impressive goal to make it 2-0. Molly Bartrip laid off summer signing Spence, who took one touch to move the ball onto her right foot before nestling it into bottom corner.
The hosts started the second half brightly and almost reaped the rewards when, after good build-up from Natasha Flint and Whelan, Jemma Purfield's cross was flicked over the bar by Carrie Jones.
Carrie Jones was then involved again, finding Simon, who crossed for Molly Pike, but there was a block to prevent her shot reaching the target.
City did find a way through just before the hour mark, from Purfield's in-swinging corner, which was diverted into her own net by Spence.
Shannon O’Brien was soon introduced for Pike, shortly before CJ Bott came on for her home debut in place of Flint, but it was the visitors who looked to take back the momentum, with City needing a smart Levell stop to keep out Brazil.
Leicester pressure on the Tottenham box began to build as Carrie Jones saw two shots blocked in the box, either side of O'Brien also being thwarted.
And the last roll of the dice from Lydia Bedford was to bring on Missy Goodwin for Carrie Jones. A chance came almost immediately from Purfield's free-kick, with Tierney's header requiring a save from Becky Spencer, but Rehanne Skinner's side were able to see out the closing minutes.
Major moment…
A second goal for Tottenham just before the break was ultimately the winner and although City pushed in the second half, pulling one back via an own goal, it proved to be too big of an ask to claim an equaliser and a share of the spoils.
Who impressed?
There were solid displays throughout the side, with Carrie Jones lively on debut and Erin Simon producing an energetic display in a right-wing back role. Ashleigh Plumptre was able to mop up plenty as part of the back three, but two stunning strikes were the difference.
Where do we stand?
LCFC Women are eighth in the WSL standings after matchday one, with Tottenham fourth at this early stage of the season.
Coming up...
The Foxes are back at King Power Stadium for more WSL action next Sunday, facing Aston Villa in a 3pm BST kick-off.
The details…
City: Levell; De Simon, Howard, Tierney, Plumptre, Purfield; Pike, Green, Whelan (c); Jones, Flint (Bott 67').
Subs not used: Poor, Vance, Scofield, E. Jones, Goodwin, O'Brien, Baker.
Goal: Spence og (59')