Tottenham Hotspur’s women’s side have quietly been building on the platform laid by Martin Ho last season, even as most pre‑season discussions were dominated by Manchester City’s title defence and the prospects of the newly assembled London City squad. One of the key figures in Spurs’ early‑season surge is Danish international Olivia Holdt. When she arrived at the club in January 2025 under then‑manager Robert Vilahamn, he praised her as an "X‑factor" with the potential to become one of the league’s elite players.
Those lofty compliments have translated into tangible performances, even if Holdt does not always dominate the headlines. Holdt opened the campaign with a spectacular hat‑trick in a 7‑0 demolition of Crystal Palace, a result she described as "special". Tottenham remain unbeaten in the Women’s Super League, occupying second place, three points behind Manchester City and a point ahead of this weekend’s opponents, the high‑profile London City.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports ahead of the match, Holdt reflected on the team’s start: "It’s still early, there are many games left and it will be a long season, but so far things are looking very positive." She added that no one on the squad seems irritated by their current position: "Nobody finds it annoying that we’re second at the moment – we’re happy with where we are, and it’s earned because our performances have been strong in the opening fixtures." Looking ahead to the Sunday clash with London City, Holdt expressed excitement: "It will be interesting to face London City. They have invested heavily this season and brought in a number of quality players.
It should be a good game, and we hope to keep our momentum and secure three points again." The outcome of that fixture could shape Tottenham’s final standing in May, as could the subsequent matches against Chelsea and Arsenal after the international break. Those encounters will serve as a litmus test for the Spurs side, which has already scored the most league goals (15) while conceding only two, showcasing a possession‑based, quick‑attacking style.
Holdt emphasized the collective nature of the team’s success: "We’ve scored 15 goals and it’s not about one player doing it all; it shows we’ve found a rhythm together. We don’t mind who gets the goal as long as we win 7‑0 or 4‑0.
Everyone contributes, and if we keep this up, many players will add a goal or two to their tally. The most important thing is securing the three points; who’s on the scoresheet is less crucial." She also noted that the upcoming fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal will be a true benchmark: "It will be a good test for us.
No disrespect to the teams we’ve faced so far, but we expect three points from those games. Playing against Chelsea and Arsenal will show where we stand and how we can compete at a higher level." Holdt has been a model of consistency under Ho, finishing as Spurs’ top scorer last season with ten goals in all competitions, eight of which came in the league.
She attributes much of her development to the rapport she shares with the manager: "He’s a great coach and has helped me improve my performances. His ability to instill confidence and energy in the squad is vital, and we also have a strong relationship off the pitch.
We respect each other, can disagree, and are honest – Martin tells me hard truths and I’m straightforward with him. It can get heated, but we both want the best for each other, which makes the partnership work." Although Holdt has primarily operated on the right wing, she has drifted more centrally this season and is comfortable wherever Ho deploys her. "Since joining Spurs, I’ve played in different positions. We’re trying to discover where I can contribute most and where I can get the best out of myself.
Ultimately, Martin makes the decisions – if he wants me on the right, I’ll do it; if he prefers me as a number 10 or even on the left, I’ll adapt," she explained. She sees herself as a versatile attacking player, stating that her exact position matters less than the overall game plan and the quality of teammates around her.
"Being able to operate in various areas makes it harder for opponents because they never know where I’ll appear." Looking forward, Holdt and the Spurs squad hope that this flexibility and collective spirit will continue to disrupt the established WSL hierarchy. With a potent attack, a solid defence, and a manager who fosters mutual respect, Tottenham is positioning itself as a genuine contender for the title.
Fans can catch the upcoming Tottenham versus London City Lionesses clash 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. The club also invites supporters to join the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, entry being free of charge.