The pre‑season buzz this year was dominated by talk of Manchester City’s attempt to retain the WSL crown and speculation about how the revamped London City squad would perform. Amid all that, Tottenham quietly continued to build on the platform laid by Martin Ho during his inaugural season.
One of the key figures in that ongoing development is Danish forward Olivia Holdt. Holdt arrived at the North London club in January 2025 under the guidance of then‑manager Robert Vilhammar, who immediately labelled her the team’s "X‑factor" and hinted that she could become one of the league’s elite players. Such lofty praise inevitably brings heightened expectations, yet Holdt has consistently demonstrated why her former boss saw such potential, even if she does not dominate headlines every week.
She opened the current campaign with a spectacular hat‑trick in a 7‑0 demolition of Crystal Palace – a performance she described as "special". Tottenham remain unbeaten in the WSL, occupying second place, three points shy of Manchester City and a point ahead of their upcoming opponents, the high‑profile London City. "It’s still early in the season, there are many 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 is complaining that we’re second at the moment – we’re delighted with our position and it feels earned because our displays have been strong in the opening matches." She added, "I’m excited for Sunday.
Facing London City will be intriguing. They have invested heavily this summer and brought in several top‑class players.
It should be a good contest, and we hope to keep our momentum and secure three points." The outcome of that clash could shape Tottenham’s final standing in May, as could the two games that follow after the international break when Spurs meet Chelsea and Arsenal in back‑to‑back league fixtures. Those matches will provide a clear barometer of where the team stands relative to the traditional powerhouses. Spurs have already proven prolific in attack, netting the most goals in the league (15) while conceding only two. Their style combines dominant possession with quick, incisive forward play.
If they can maintain this output and keep their defensive record intact through the next three games, they will solidify a top‑three finish and bolster their credentials as genuine title challengers. "Scoring 15 goals in four games is impressive for any side, and it shows how well we have gelled," Holdt explained.
"We don’t obsess over who scores; whether it’s a 7‑0 or a 4‑0 win, the whole squad contributes. If we keep this rhythm, many players will add a few goals to their tally. The primary aim is three points; individual goal‑scorers are secondary, though still appreciated." Regarding the upcoming tests, Holdt said, "These fixtures will be a good gauge for us. No disrespect to the teams we have already faced – we expected to win those.
But playing against Chelsea and Arsenal is a step up and will reveal how we measure up against the league’s elite." She continued, "Those clubs have dominated English women’s football for years, but I believe we can hold our own this season and give them a strong contest." Holdt has been one of the most reliable performers under Martin Ho and finished last season as Tottenham’s leading scorer, with ten goals across all competitions, eight of which came in the WSL. Their partnership appears mutually beneficial and central to the team’s early success.
"Martin is an excellent coach who has helped me raise my level in the league," the Denmark international remarked. "His ability to instil confidence and energy in the squad is vital.
Off the pitch we also share a good rapport." She elaborated on their working relationship: "We respect each other. I can disagree with him and he can disagree with me, which is why we communicate honestly. Martin tells me the hard truths, and I’m not afraid to be blunt with him. Sometimes it gets heated, but we both want the best for each other, and that mutual respect makes it work." Although Holdt has primarily been deployed on the right wing, she has drifted more centrally this season compared with the previous year and says she is comfortable wherever Ho positions her.
"Since joining Spurs, I’ve played in a few different roles," she said. "We’re still figuring out where I can contribute most effectively 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 that. If he prefers me as a number 10, I’ll embrace it. Even on the left, I’ll give it my all." "I view myself as a versatile attacking player, so my exact position isn’t as important as the overall game plan and having quality teammates around me," Holdt added. "Being able to operate in several areas can also make it harder for opponents to predict my movements." Spurs hope this flexibility and collective resilience will continue to unsettle the established order in the WSL over the coming weeks.
Fans can catch the Tottenham versus London City Lionesses showdown live on Sky Sports Football at 2 pm on Sunday, with highlights and in‑game clips available shortly after full‑time on Sky’s digital platforms. For those looking for extra excitement, the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available now.