It looked as if it was going to be another ‘one of those days’ for Sophie Roman Haug.
In the early weeks of the season, the striker has shown in flashes why Liverpool moved to make her their club-record signing in the summer transfer window. She is a nuisance for defenders and dominant in the air – two vital prerequisites for an effective no.9. But those glimpses of potential were not quite translating into tangible rewards. A combination of inspired goalkeeping and erratic finishing saw Haug fire blanks for a third successive Women’s Super League (WSL) game in the Reds’ 2-1 victory over Leicester City at Prenton Park.
And it looked as if history might just be about to repeat itself against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon. It was goalless at Brisbane Road when, in the 22nd minute, Grace Fisk put the ball on a plate for the Norwegian inside the penalty area.
A deft touch at the back post was all that was required to turn the ball the ball home. But, not for the first time, Haug’s composure appeared to desert her at the decisive moment. She blazed over the bar, throwing her hands to her head in a fit of frustration. And it took just four minutes for the striker’s profligacy to be punished, as her international team-mate Celine Bizet gave Tottenham the lead after an impressive drive from inside her own half.
Sophie Roman Haug scored her first Liverpool goal against Tottenham
Sophie Roman Haug scored her first Liverpool goal against Tottenham
