Tottenham Hotspur’s women’s side has been quietly building on the platform laid by Martin Ho last campaign, even as most pre‑season discussion has been dominated by Manchester City’s title defence and the prospects of London City’s revamped roster. One of the key figures in Spurs’ early‑season surge is Danish forward Olivia Holdt, whose arrival in January 2025 was hailed by former manager Robert Vilahamn as the addition of an "X‑factor" with the potential to become one of the league’s elite.
Those lofty compliments have translated into tangible performances, albeit without the constant media spotlight. Holdt opened the current season with a spectacular hat‑trick in a 7‑0 demolition of Crystal Palace – a result she described as "special" – and Spurs have yet to taste defeat in the Women’s Super League. The team currently occupy second place, three points adrift of defending champions Manchester City and a point ahead of their upcoming opponents, the high‑profile London City Lionesses.
"It’s still early days, there are plenty of games left and it will be a long campaign, but so far things are looking very positive," Holdt told Sky Sports ahead of the Sunday fixture. "No one seems annoyed that we’re second at the moment – we’re delighted with where we are, and it feels earned because our displays have been strong in the opening matches." She added, "I’m looking forward to Sunday. It’ll be interesting to face London City.
They’ve invested heavily this season and brought in a number of quality players, so it promises to be a good test. Hopefully we can keep our momentum and secure three points as well." The outcome of that clash could shape Tottenham’s final standing in May, and the stakes will only rise after the international break when Spurs meet Chelsea and Arsenal in consecutive league fixtures. Those games will provide a clearer picture of how the side measures up against the traditional powerhouses. So far, Spurs have been the most prolific attacking unit, netting 15 goals while conceding only two, a testament to their possession‑based, high‑tempo style.
If they maintain these statistics and stay within the top three after the next three matches, they will be hard to ignore as genuine title contenders. "Scoring 15 goals in four games is impressive for any squad, but it also shows how well we’ve gelled," Holdt explained. "We don’t worry about who gets the goals – whether it’s a 7‑0 win or a 4‑0 victory, everyone contributes. If we keep this level, many of us will end the season with a couple of goals each.
The priority is the three points; the individual scorers are secondary." Regarding the upcoming tests, Holdt said, "It’ll be a solid challenge for us. No disrespect to the teams we’ve already faced, but we expect to take three points from those games. Facing clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal will be a real benchmark to see how we stack up.
It’s definitely a step up." She continued, "Those clubs have dominated the league for years, yet I believe we can hold our own this season and give them a competitive match." Holdt has been one of the most reliable performers under Ho’s guidance, finishing as Spurs’ top scorer last season with ten goals in all competitions, eight of which came in the league. Their partnership appears mutually beneficial, with Holdt crediting Ho for much of her development. "He’s an excellent coach and has helped me raise my game in the league," the Denmark international remarked.
"His ability to instill confidence and energy in the squad is vital, and we also share a strong bond off the pitch." She elaborated on their relationship: "We respect each other. I can challenge him, and he can challenge me. That honesty works for us because Martin tells me the hard truth, and I’m straightforward with him as well.
Sometimes it gets heated, but we both want the best for the team, and that mutual respect keeps us moving forward." While Holdt traditionally operates on the right wing, this season she has been deployed more centrally, reflecting Ho’s willingness to experiment with her positioning. She expressed enthusiasm for any role the manager deems appropriate. "Since joining Spurs, I’ve played in several positions. We’re still figuring out where I can contribute most and where I can get the best out of myself," Holdt said.
"Ultimately, Martin decides. If he wants me on the right flank, I’ll do that. If he sees me as a number 10, I’m happy to play that role.
Even on the left, I’ll give it my all." "I view myself as a versatile attacker, so my exact spot on the pitch isn’t crucial as long as the game plan is clear and I have quality teammates around me to support my movement," she added. "Being able to appear in different areas can confuse opponents – they never know where I’ll be." Looking ahead, Holdt and the Spurs squad hope that this flexibility and collective confidence will continue to disrupt the established WSL hierarchy. Their next fixtures – against London City, Chelsea and Arsenal – will be decisive in cementing their status as serious challengers.
Fans can catch Tottenham’s clash with London City Lionesses live on Sky Sports Football at 1.30 pm on Sunday, with kick‑off scheduled for 2 pm. Highlights and in‑game clips will be 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. In summary, Olivia Holdt’s blend of technical skill, tactical adaptability, and unwavering work ethic has helped Tottenham Hotspur Women launch their campaign with flair and purpose. Coupled with Martin Ho’s strategic acumen and a squad that scores freely while defending resolutely, Spurs are poised to challenge the traditional order of the Women’s Super League and perhaps, with a bit of luck and consistency, mount a genuine title bid.