Everton Women finished 2021 in defeat after a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur in the final match of the calendar year.

The visitors were excellent in the first half, mounting pressure on the capital side but were unable to produce the finishing touch to give the Blues a deserved lead in the opening 45. 

Jean-Luc Vasseur's midfield four of Izzy Christiansen, Aurora Galli, Lucy Graham and Grace Clinton were the difference in controlling the momentum in the opening stages. 

Academy graduate Clinton in particular a standout with her distribution and confidence in possession. 

The Blues closest opportunity to breaking the hosts' resilience came from Anna Anvegård.

The Sweden international latched onto a loose ball and fired a powerful effort towards the left-side of goal, only to be denied by former Everton keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela.

Despite the Blues clear dominance in the first half, the momentum swung in Spurs' favour as the hosts took the lead six minutes after the break.

Jessica Naz charged down the left side and shot on the edge of the area beating Courtney Brosnan with an finish into the far top corner.

Everton looked to respond instantly as Anvegård brushed off the Spurs defence and looked to beat Korpela along the left side, only to be denied by the post. 

The match seemed to fall away from Everton as the game progressed and were unable to replicate the same quality seen in the first half. 

Everton Women return to action in the new year when the squad travels to face Aston Villa on Saturday 8 January.