Tottenham Hotspur’s women’s side has been quietly building on the platform laid by Martin Ho last campaign, even as most preseason talk has revolved around Manchester City’s title defence and the ambitions of the newly‑rebranded London City. One of the key figures in Spurs’ early‑season surge is Danish international Olivia Holdt. She arrived at the club in January 2025 under then‑manager Robert Vilahamn, who immediately praised her as an "X‑factor" with the potential to become one of the league’s elite performers. Those lofty compliments have translated into tangible results, even if Holdt’s name does not dominate headlines on a daily basis.
She opened the current season with a spectacular hat‑trick in a 7‑0 demolition of Crystal Palace – a performance she described as "special" – and Tottenham have yet to taste defeat in the WSL. The team currently sit second on the table, three points adrift of Manchester City and a single point ahead of the weekend’s opponents, London City.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports ahead of that match, Holdt reflected on the early stage of the campaign: "It’s still very early, there are plenty of games left and it will be a long season, but so far things are looking really good." She added, "No one seems to find it irritating that we’re second at the moment – we’re happy with where we are, and it’s earned because our performances have been solid in the opening fixtures." Looking forward to the clash with London City, Holdt said, "It’ll be an interesting game. They’ve invested heavily this season and brought in strong players, so it promises to be a good test.
I hope we can keep our momentum and secure three points on Sunday as well." The outcome of that encounter could shape Tottenham’s final standing in May, but the real litmus tests will come after the international break when Spurs face both Chelsea and Arsenal in consecutive league fixtures. Those matches will provide a clearer picture of how the team stacks up against the traditional powerhouses. Spurs have already demonstrated an attacking flair that is hard to ignore.
They have scored the most goals in the league – 15 in just four games – while conceding only two. Their style is characterised by dominant possession and rapid, forward‑looking play.
If they can maintain this form and stay within the top three while leading in both goals scored and goals conceded, they will inevitably be counted among the title‑contending clubs. Holdt summed up the team’s philosophy after a recent win: "We’ve netted 15 goals and it’s not about who scores them; we’re just happy to win 7‑0 or 4‑0.
Everyone contributes, and if we keep playing like this many players will add a goal or two to their tally. The most important thing is securing the three points; who gets on the scoresheet is secondary." She also highlighted the upcoming challenges: "Facing Chelsea and Arsenal will be a good test for us.
No disrespect to the teams we’ve beaten so far – they’re the kind of sides we expect to get three points from. But playing against the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal will show us where we truly stand and how we can compete at the highest level. It’s a step up." When asked about the experience of taking on clubs that have dominated the league for years, Holdt replied, "They have been at the top for many seasons, but I believe we can hold our own this year and give them a strong contest." Holdt’s consistency has been a cornerstone of Ho’s side.
She finished last season as Tottenham’s top scorer, with ten goals across all competitions, eight of which came in the league. The synergy between player and coach appears to be mutually beneficial. "Martin is an excellent coach who has helped me raise my game in the league," the Denmark international explained. "He instils confidence and energy, and we also share a good relationship off the pitch.
We respect each other, can disagree when needed, and are honest about our views. Martin tells me the hard truth, and I’m not afraid to be straightforward 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 operated on the right wing, she has found herself drifting more centrally this season compared with the previous year. She emphasised her willingness to adapt to whatever role Ho deems best for the team.
"Since joining Spurs, I’ve played in several positions. We’re still figuring out where I can contribute most and where I can maximise my own strengths," she said. "Ultimately, Martin makes the decisions. If he wants me on the right wing, 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." Holdt described herself as a versatile attacking player, noting that her exact position matters less than the overall game plan and the quality of teammates around her. "I like to see myself as a flexible forward. Where I’m placed on the pitch isn’t crucial as long as the strategy is clear and I have good players supporting me.
It’s useful to be a bit of a mystery for opponents – they never know where I’ll appear." Spurs hope that this adaptability will continue to disrupt the established order of the WSL in the weeks ahead. 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. Additionally, viewers can enter the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available.