The Reds visited Brisbane Road today hoping to change their draw streak and that they did, securing all 3 points thanks to Marie Höbinger’s stoppage-time penalty. Tottenham Hotspur faced Liverpool in a tense, back-and-forth encounter marked by defensive challenges and moments of individual brilliance.
Cornelia Kapocs opened the scoring with a stunning goal for Liverpool before a tumultuous second half that saw them pegged back twice by Spurs. The game featured intense duels and standout saves from Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Rachael Laws, who repeatedly denied Tottenham’s advances. Defensive lapses, yellow cards, and unexpected turnovers added to the drama, with both sides struggling to maintain control. Höbinger had the last laugh right at the death with her well-placed penalty.
As it happened
Liverpool started the match with high energy, with Jasmine Matthews creating an opportunity early on but going slightly wide. They dominated the pace of the game but both teams battled for control, with Spurs working to match Liverpool’s intensity but struggling to break through the opposing defence.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe first real chance of the game fell to Liverpool, as Kapocs struck a stunner from range in the 10th minute. She intercepted the ball from a goal kick and blasted it in over Spencer, making the score 1-0 to Liverpool. Play was then briefly halted in the 28th minute after a strong challenge by Tottenham’s Amanda Nildén on Liverpool’s Sofie Lundgaard, who then made way for Gemma Evans. A well-timed challenge from Eveliina Summanen prevented a goal-scoring opportunity for Olivia Smith, who seemed eager to get one in the back of the net after her shot got deflected by Spurs’ defence in the 26th minute.
With seven minutes of added time, the remainder of the half saw both teams exchanging possession, with Liverpool frequently pressing forward but failing to convert chances into clear scoring opportunities. Tottenham’s defence stayed compact, working effectively to limit their opponents’ progress, and at the break it remained 0-1 to Liverpool. Despite the lead in the first half, Liverpool manager Matt Beard will have been keen for more goals in the second half – both for additions to their goal difference and a comfortable win, as Spurs were looking deadly on the break.
Manager Robert Vilahamn must have inspired his Spurs side during the halftime break, as the team came back onto the pitch with a real drive to score. The tables had turned, with Liverpool struggling to clear their lines while Tottenham now began to dominate the structure of the game. As the Lilywhites began to build up from their defensive third, Taylor Hinds scored an own goal after a clearance-gone-wrong saw her inadvertently tap home Jessica Naz’s cross – levelling the scores in the 54th minute. With Vilahamn subbing on Bethany England shortly after, Spurs were not settling for a draw. Neither were the Reds, though, who switched from a back four to a back three and substituted Kapocs for Mia Enderby and Matthews for Jenna Clark.
Liverpool became shaky after Hinds’ own goal though, with yellow cards soon flooding in. Gemma Bonner went into the book for a heavy tackle on Hayley Raso. In the hope of bringing back their momentum, Beard elected to replace Smith with Leanne Kiernan.
Embed from Getty ImagesHöbinger finally put them back in front in the 75th minute, netting a free kick that soared over the Tottenham defenders and into the top right corner, leaving Spencer with little chance. They were far from in control, though – as Tottenham continued to press, Liverpool’s defensive struggles became apparent. Less than ten minutes after Höbinger had restored their lead, they were pegged back again by Clare Hunt. Vilahamn brought on fresh legs with Matilda Vinberg replacing Raso, looking to capitalise on the momentum from their second equaliser.
It looked as though Spurs might just steal all three points. Forward Martha Thomas showcased skill with a strong first touch in the box, but her attempt went wide, a missed opportunity to take the lead for the first time. Tottenham continued to press, and Naz seized an opportunity from a Liverpool turnover, breaking through the defence. However, Laws made a brilliant save to prevent the equaliser, keeping Liverpool in contention despite mounting pressure.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was earlier goalscorer Höbinger who would eventually decide the match. After Sophie Román Haug went down in the box between Ashleigh Neville and Molly Bartrip, the referee pointed to the spot. Höbinger stepped up and kept her cool: though Spencer dived the right way and got a strong hand to her strike, it nestled in the bottom corner to give Liverpool all three points.
Despite the outcome of the match, Spurs demonstrated real promise in their attacking skills, especially in the second half, keeping Liverpool on their toes. Both teams came into the match seeking vital points, with Liverpool eager to build on recent form and Tottenham aiming to assert themselves at home. Liverpool now have five points, with Tottenham following closely behind at four – a result that could be key in Liverpool’s push to replicate or better their fourth-placed finish last season.
The lineups
LIV: Laws; Parry, Bonner, Matthews; Hinds, Nagano, Höbinger, Lundgaard, Kapocs; Smith, Roman-Haug.
TOT: Spencer; Neville, Bartrip, Hunt, Nildén; Oroz, Summanen, Spence; Raso, Thomas, Naz.
