Tottenham Hotspur Women star Amanda Nilden has been left with a black eye after their 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Spurs won their first Women’s Super League game of the season with ease against the newly-promoted Eagles.
Head coach Robert Vilahamn was forced into a number of signings of the summer with high-profile stars Grace Clinton and Celin Bizet both leaving.
England international Clinton was a key player last season but was on loan from Manchester United so returned to her former club, while Bizet, who formed a close bond with the midfielder, then signed for the Red Devils.
However, that blow was swiftly remedied with Bizet’s replacement, Hayley Raso, putting in a brilliant showing on debut against Crystal Palace at Brisbane Road.
She got the Tottenham opener with a low drive across goal, before Jess Naz, Drew Spence and Olga Ahtinen, with a rocket, made it a comprehensive win for the hosts.
The Eagles, embarking on their first ever WSL season definitely made an impact though.
And Spurs’ Swedish left-back Amanda Nilden can certainly attest to it.
After just eight minutes gone in the clash, Palace star Josie Green went for a high ball along with Nilden while leading with her elbow.
The collision, prior to the ball getting to the pair, left the Swede laid out on the floor but referee Amy Fearn allowed play to go on before realising the extent of the injury.
Treatment lasted for three minutes, but Nilden managed to complete 87 minutes before being substituted, with Charli Grant replacing her.
However, after the match, Nilden showcased the results of the incident.
On Instagram, she posted a picture of herself with black eye and a blood-soaked plaster where it appears a stitch or two has been administered.
On the story, she wrote: “3 points and a black eye (celebration emoji) Great start to the season (four white heart emojis).”
After the game, Vilahamn was delighted with the win but admits, despite netting four, his team will be working on their finishing.
He said: “I think I’ve learned that we shouldn’t be stressed in half-time if the press doesn’t work or if we don’t really get the goals.
“If you keep going and keep going for 90 minutes, we are that good that we can create chances against the opponent.
“But also perhaps we also need to practice how to finish even more clearly because the goalkeeper was amazing. But we can actually be a little bit better there.
“But on the other hand, first game, next game is Aston Villa away. It’s going to be a really tough one. So we cannot be too happy about this.
“We need to analyse this and make sure we have a good performance next week.”
