Tottenham Hotspur Women have been quietly building on the platform laid by Martin Ho last season, even as most preseason talk revolved around Manchester City’s title defence and the prospects of a revamped London City squad. One of the key figures in Spurs’ early‑season surge is Danish forward Olivia Holdt. She arrived at the club in January 2025 under then‑manager Robert Vilahamn, who immediately praised her as the team’s "X‑factor" and hinted that she could become one of the league’s elite players. Such lofty endorsement brought a fair amount of pressure, but Holdt has already begun to justify the hype.
She opened the campaign with a hat‑trick in a 7‑0 demolition of Crystal Palace, a performance she described as "special". That victory helped Spurs maintain an unbeaten record in the Women's Super League, leaving them second on the table, three points behind Manchester City and a point ahead of their upcoming opponents, the headline‑grabbing London City. Ahead of the Sunday clash, Holdt spoke exclusively to Sky Sports, noting that the season is still in its infancy.
"It’s early days, there are plenty of games left and it will be a long campaign, but so far things look very promising," she said. She added that nobody on the squad finds it irritating to sit in second place. "We’re happy with where we are, and it’s earned because our performances in the opening fixtures have been strong." When asked about the forthcoming match against London City, Holdt was upbeat. "It’ll be interesting to face them.
They’ve invested heavily this season and have assembled a squad full of quality players. It should be a good game, and we hope to keep our momentum and secure three points on Sunday as well." The outcome of that encounter could shape Tottenham’s final league position in May, especially when followed by two more high‑profile fixtures after the international break against Chelsea and Arsenal.
Those three games will provide a clear barometer of Spurs’ title credentials. So far, the team leads the league in goals scored – 15 in just four matches – while conceding only two. Their style combines dominant possession with rapid, attacking transitions, allowing multiple players to find the net. Holdt summed up the collective mindset: "We don’t obsess over who scores, as long as we win 7‑0 or 4‑0.
Everyone contributes, and if we keep this up many of us will add a goal or two. The priority is three points; the individual scorers are secondary." She also highlighted the importance of upcoming tests. "Playing against Chelsea and Arsenal will be a true measure of where we stand. Those clubs have been at the top for years, but we believe we can compete and give them a solid performance.
It’s a step up and a chance to prove ourselves." Holdt has been one of the most reliable performers under Ho, finishing last season as Spurs’ leading scorer with ten goals in all competitions, eight of which came in the league. Their partnership appears mutually beneficial.
"Martin is an excellent coach who has helped me raise my level in the league," the Denmark international explained. "His ability to instill confidence and energy in the squad is vital, and we also share a good relationship off the pitch." The duo respects each other’s viewpoints and can be brutally honest when needed.
"We can disagree, but we both want the best for the team. Martin tells me the hard truth, and I don’t mince words with him. Sometimes it gets heated, yet that honesty strengthens our bond." Although Holdt has primarily featured on the right wing, she has drifted into more central roles this season.
She embraces the versatility, stating, "Since joining Spurs I’ve played in several positions. We’re still figuring out where I can add the most value and where I can get the best out of myself.
Ultimately, Martin decides. If he wants me on the wing, I’ll do that. If he sees me as a number 10, I’m happy to adapt.
Even on the left, I’ll give it my all." Her philosophy is to be a flexible attacking asset. "Where I am on the pitch matters less than the overall game plan and having quality teammates around me. Being able to operate in different areas can also confuse opponents – they never know where I’ll appear." Looking ahead, Holdt and the Spurs squad hope that this adaptability will continue to unsettle the established WSL hierarchy. Their next fixtures – against London City Lionesses, Chelsea, and Arsenal – will be crucial in maintaining the disruption they have caused so far.
Fans can catch the London City match live on Sky Sports Football at 2 pm on Sunday, with highlights and in‑game clips available shortly after full‑time on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. Additionally, Sky’s Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry for viewers. Overall, Tottenham Hotspur Women are demonstrating that a second‑place position need not be a source of frustration but rather a stepping stone toward a realistic title challenge. With Holdt’s goal‑scoring prowess, Ho’s tactical acumen, and a squad that thrives on collective effort, the team appears poised to keep the pressure on Manchester City and potentially rewrite the narrative of this WSL season.