During the pre‑season, most of the conversation revolved around Manchester City’s attempt to defend their WSL crown and the prospects of the newly assembled London City side. Meanwhile, Tottenham quietly continued the work begun under Martin Ho last term, reinforcing the platform that had taken shape during his inaugural campaign. A key figure in that ongoing development is Danish forward Olivia Holdt.
When she signed for the club in January 2025 under the guidance of then‑manager Robert Vilahamn, he praised her as possessing an "X‑factor" and hinted that she could become one of the league’s elite performers. Those lofty compliments carried a weight of expectation, and Holdt has already begun to justify them, even if she does not dominate headlines on a daily basis.
The season opened with Holdt netting a 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 league. The team currently sit in second place, three points adrift of Manchester City and a single point ahead of this weekend’s opponents, the high‑profile London City. "It’s still early, 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 is complaining that we’re second at the moment – we’re delighted with where we are, and we feel it’s earned because our displays have been strong in the opening matches." She went on to express excitement about the upcoming clash with London City.
"It will be interesting to face them. They have invested heavily this season and brought in a number of high‑quality players. It promises to be a good game, and we hope to keep our momentum going and collect three points on Sunday as well." Those three points could prove pivotal in determining Tottenham’s final standing in May, especially when followed by fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal after the international break. The sequence of matches will provide a clear barometer for the Spurs side’s ambitions.
So far, Tottenham have been the most prolific attacking unit in the league, scoring 15 goals while conceding only two. Their style is built on possession, rapid transitions and an aggressive forward thrust that has left opponents scrambling. If they emerge from the next three games still within the top three and maintain their statistical edge, Tottenham will be forced into the conversation as genuine title challengers. Holdt summed up the team’s philosophy after a recent win: "We have scored 15 goals, and it’s not about who gets the credit for each one.
What matters is that we win, whether it’s 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 primary objective is the three points; the individual scorers are secondary." She also acknowledged the quality of the opposition they are about to face. "It will be a good test for us. No disrespect to the teams we have already played – we expected to take three points from those games.
Facing clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal will show us where we truly stand and how we can compete at the next level. These teams have dominated the league for years, but I believe we can hold our own and give them a strong performance." Holdt has been one of the most reliable performers under Ho’s management and finished last season as Tottenham’s leading scorer, with ten goals in all competitions, eight of which came in the WSL. Their partnership appears to be mutually beneficial, with Holdt crediting the coach for much of her progress.
"He’s an excellent coach and has helped me raise my game in the league," the Denmark international said. "His ability to instill confidence and energy in the squad is vital, and we also share a good relationship off the pitch." She highlighted the honesty that underpins their rapport: "We respect each other.
I can disagree with him, and he can disagree with me. That openness is why it works – Martin tells me the hard truth, and I’m straightforward with him. Sometimes it gets heated, but we both want the best for each other, and that mutual respect keeps us moving forward." Although Holdt has primarily operated on the right wing, this season she has been deployed more centrally, reflecting Ho’s tactical flexibility. She expressed enthusiasm for any role the manager assigns.
"Since joining Spurs, I’ve played in several positions. We’re trying to discover where I can contribute most and where I can get the best out of myself. Ultimately, Martin decides – if he wants me on the right, I’ll do it; if he sees me as a number 10, I’m happy to play there; 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 the quality of 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 upcoming fixtures against London City, Chelsea and Arsenal will serve as litmus tests for their title credentials. A strong showing could cement Tottenham’s place among the league’s elite and keep the championship race wide open. Fans can catch Tottenham’s clash with London City Lionesses 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 are invited to participate in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, entry being free of charge.