Robert Vilahamn's side should have won more comfortably but were guilty of missing a hatful of chances to put the result beyond doubt.

Celin Bizet twice went close in a matter of minutes, while Jessica Naz missed the target when well placed inside the area shortly before half-time.

In the second half, Drew Spence saw a stinging effort tipped over by Robins goalkeeper Fran Bentley, who was playing her first game since the opening weekend of the season after recovering from injury.

Substitute Wang Shuang also hit the bar with a header from Eveliina Summanen's corner.

Tottenham remain sixth, but are now just three points behind Manchester United in fifth. Bristol City are six points adrift of safety after a 13th defeat from their 17 league games this season.

After flirting with relegation last season Tottenham look certain to improve on their ninth-place finish from 2022-23.

They also have an FA Cup semi-final against Leicester to look forward to next month.

Robins running out of time

Bristol City badly need to pick up points if they are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

The Robins have endured a miserable season so far and set two more unhappy milestones after this latest defeat.

Lauren Smith's side have now lost their last 11 WSL games, equalling the record set by Yeovil Town between 2017 and 2018.

They are also just the second team to lose their first eight home games of a campaign after Doncaster Rover Belles in 2016.

They did show spirit and resilience to recover from going a goal down so early, but the narrow scoreline was more down to poor Spurs finishing as they rarely troubled visiting goalkeeper Becky Spencer.

Despite their poor form City are not down yet, with 11th-placed West Ham still within reach after they lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea.

But it will take a remarkable revival in form in their final five games if they are to survive, especially as they are still to play the top three of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.